Saint Nicholas Day

Gifts were aplenty when we arrived at the service course today.

It's Saint Nicholas Day. Did you know that's a big deal here in Europe?

We left some unusual gifts in our shoes: from carrots to tires.

From wikipedia:

The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, usually on December 6, is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British "Father Christmas," derive from these legends. "Santa Claus" is itself derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas.

Basically, this is the morning kids here in Belgium are waking up to presents and candy. But you had to remember to put out one of your shoes last night – and especially leave a gift inside. Ours ranged from carrots, to nuts to Park Tools and even Continental Tires.