Noelle and Natalie Foster collect goodie bags from librarian Amy Eveslage for the St. Nicholas Day virtual storytime later in the day. The Foster sisters have never missed the annual St. Nicholas celebration and thanks to the New Ulm Library’s decision to videostream the event, they didn’t miss it this year either.

NEW ULM — The St. Nicholas Day celebration continued, through a virtual storytime held by the New Ulm Public Library.

Every year around Dec. 6, children in the European world celebrate St. Nicholas Day but the tradition has caught on in New Ulm as well. The public library and other groups have hosted the St. Nicholas celebration where children could meet St. Nick and his companion Krampus.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic was the lump of coal in this year’s celebration. St. Nick and Krampus were unable to meet with the kids, but the library kept the tradition going with a special virtual storytime.

The New Ulm Public Library streamed a video of Youth Services Librarian Kathryn Tatnall reading St. Nicholas-themed stories, between singing Christmas songs.

Kids were still able to get St. Nick-themed treats. The library had pick-up bags with song lyrics, sleigh bells and a sweet treat provided by Domeier’s General Store. The event was popular. Of the 50 pick-up bags, only eight were left by the end of the day.

Librarian Amy Eveslage said the treat bags went fast. Several families picked the goodie bags the moment the library opened on Saturday.

Natalie and Noelle Foster were among the first to pick up bags. The girls have never missed as St. Nicholas Day celebration and look forward to the cookies every year.

The library staff was pleased the tradition could be continued despite the challenges of COVID.

“At least we were able to do something,” Eveslage said.

At the start of the virtual storytime, Tatnall said she was sorry it could not continue in person this year but said: “We will get through this and next year we’re going to have a wonderful celebration.”

Tatnall read two stories. The first was “The Story of Saint Nicholas” by Laura Wagner. The story told the story of St. Nicholas, who was the Bishop of Turkey and the inspiration for Santa Clause. St. Nicholas was famous for his generosity to those in need.

The second story was called “Oma and Me: A Christmas Story” by Kevin M. Donavan. “Oma” is German for grandma, and the story is about a young boy’s Christmas with his grandma.

Those interested in listening to the St. Nickolas storying time can view the video on YouTube in addition to other virtual storytime events.