As I typed the title for this post I realized that if a person wasn't familiar with the 11 PM curfew announcements made on television here the whole effect is diminished.  Lost is the pop of finding unusual words in the phrases memorized over the course of you life from teenagerhood until now.

I can get over the knock to our expectations if you can.  My only intention in posting was to mark that it is St. Nicholas Eve today and so my children will get a little treat which involves a sock.  This does not mean that I have dug through closets for the seasonal stockings that are meant to enhance the holiday spirit radiated  by the decorated fireplace.  No, it means that the boys--including Stella's boyfriend--will get choice wool hiking socks and that Stella will get soft girly white gorgeous ladylike socks suitable for wearing to work.  Everyone's socks will have chocolate in various forms tucked into them and what more could a grown up kid ask St. Nicholas for?

I hope old Bishop Nicholas helps the United States Postal Service get those stockings to the kiddies' places in goodly time, but he's working against my not getting to the post office when i should have.  He can blame me for the day-late delivery if he wants to because I certainly will be heaping the blame on him if I'm asked.

My other St. Nick feat was to buy a pattern from a designer on Ravelry and have it sent to someone who posted that she wished she could have it, but was watching her Christmas pennies.  I'll bet that knitter is a sprightly elf herself, making a cheery Christmas for her family.  I am actually quite thrilled to have sent the little giftie.  I saw her thanks to the designer in the forums and she sounded just as surprised and happy at the unexpected treat as I hope my children will be with theirs.

Happy St. Nick's.   I hope you find a joy of your heart in socks somewhere tomorrow.

Added at 7 PM:

I just saw this on the Ravelry board.  It's time for this St. Nick to put her feet up and have a celebratory coffee.