Peep into any house in Lorraine on the night of 5 December and look by the fireside. You will see refreshments left for Saint Nicholas, to fortify him on his long journey from house to house. There is a tiny glass of Mirabelle liqueur for the saint, and sugar or carrots for his donkey. In the morning you will know the Saint has called, because the glass is empty and the donkey has eaten every last crumb. Children, if they have been good, will find sweets, fruit and small gifts in their slippers.
