I found out about this through the WW2 Podcast last year and I don't see any posts mentioning it -- In early December 1944, in the town of Wiltz in Luxembourg, members of the American 28th Infantry Division pooled their resources (including treats baked by Army cooks and donated from care packages) in order to give the children of Wiltz a St Nicholas Day - including, as you can see above, St Nicholas riding into town on an army jeep, handing out treats, leading up to the castle where there was a celebration for the children. It was even, by chance, captured on film. Sadly, Wiltz was in the path of the Germans' Ardennes offensive and suffered heavily in the fighting. After the war, celebration of St Nicholas Day in Wiltz changed. They began to celebrate that day in 1944 when the American St Nicholas visited the town, by having someone take on the role of the soldier in St Nicholas' costume, recreating the jeep ride and celebration in the castle. In the 1970s, with the aid of a veteran of the 28th, Frank McLelland, they were able to contact Richard Brookins, the "first American St Nicholas" in 1944. For many years Brookins returned to Wiltz to celebrate St Nicholas Day with the townsfolk. More reading / listening at: St. Nicholas Center ::: American Saint Nicolas The American St Nick
Fascinating example of how an historic event is incorporated into a traditional event, altering it and celebrating a different aspect.
