Embedded Files
Isaac James, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn
The WHS French Honor Society hosted a St. Nicholas event November 15, 2025 at the Watauga County Public Library. Children who came participated in French holiday traditions, with a St. Nicholas actor and shoe-themed arts and crafts.
The event was chaperoned by Madame Tedder, advisor of the Watauga French Honor Society and French Club.
French Honor Society Members Pictured (From left to right): Brecken Sauthoff, 12, Anasofia Salinas, 12, Holden Womack, 12, and Theresa Copenhaver, 12.
A view of the supplies used for the children's shoe creation project. While the kids worked on their crafts, members of the French Honor Society hid candy and oranges in their shoes, a famous tradition practiced for St. Nicholas Day.
Keira Deal,12, and Copenhaver hiding oranges and candy in the children's shoes. While they distribued these goods, the kids listened to St. Nicholas and worked on crafts.
A view of what the shoes look like after being stuffed with the traditional goods. According to the traditions of St. Nicholas' Day, children are to leave their shoes out on the night of December 5th. The next morning, they'll find their shoes full of treats.
St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas
As part of the event, French Honor Society member Maggie Visser's father dressed up as St. Nicholas, giving out traditional treats and reading from his book to tell the kids if they were on his nice list. St. Nicholas also brought some traditional European snacks, like Speculoos (a kind of cinnamon-spiced cookie).
Kids gather around and listen to St. Nicholas. Afterwards, they created their own shoes with paper, colors, glitter, and other decorations.
The signup sheet for the event and some of the example shoes created by the French Honor Society members.
The children's book "Santa Who?" by Gail Gibbons. The book covers the origin of Santa Claus, detailing his appearances in different cultures throughout history.
The St. Nicholas event at the library was a fun opportunity for local kids to learn about what Santa looks like outside of the United States. By bringing in their knowledge of French cultural traditions, the French Honor Society was able to give the kids who attended a unique experience, different from what they likely practice at home.
Page updated
Report abuse