Aunt Hilda opened the door, and in came St. Nicholas. He was very tall and had a long white beard. He wore a long black robe and a red and white cap, with a big red tassel.
“Dear little children,” he said, “it will soon be Christmas. I have come to find the good children. I shall bring gifts to them on Christmas Eve. Has Thekla learned to knit?”
“Yes, indeed,” said her mother. “See this pair of stockings she has knit for Hans.”
“They are very well made,” said St. Nicholas. “I shall surely bring a gift for Thekla. Has Hans learned to get up early?”
“We have not had to call him for six weeks,” said his father.
“Good,” said St. Nicholas. “Has Max learned his multiplication tables?”
“Max is trying very hard,” said Aunt Hilda. “He knows all but the nines and twelves.”