The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

I have always had the memory on New Year's Eve of leaving our
shoes out for Father Time to be able to give us our gifts. The
background information on how this tradition began was taught to me
by my Grandma McQuiston. It began in Europe as the traditional way
for the Dutch to celebrate Christmas. They would leave their shoes
out for St. Nicholas to leave their presents in. Then as time went
on and the immigrants came over to America the tradition evolved
into a practice of bringing good luck in for the new year. The
children were taught to put their shoes out and as Father Time
passed over on New Year's Eve he would leave a small present for
them.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR

Date learned: 00-00-1964