There is excitement in the air.It is a night before Christmas.The ambers of the fireplace are still aglow.

The snow is melting and icicles have formed along the roof eaves and window sill. A wooden shovel rests against the side of the house.

St. Nicholas has left his footprints in the melting snow on the side of the house.

A short break before his trip to the next house call, St Nicholas is carrying his bag of toys.

A child's sleigh has been left outside. The teddy bear, mitts ,boots and blanket has been left on the sleigh.

A variety of toys have been left under the tree, These were on the list of special requests from the children for christmas.

The Dachshund under the chair watches attentively as the train chugs around the track.

The dimly lit tiffany lamp, the glow of the ambers from the fireplace and the lit candles on the Christmas tree produces a feeling of coziness in the room.

St.Nicholas has left his calling card on the salver plate near the front door.