On the French frontier New Year's Eve was
the night when St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus as we know him
today, visited children with gifts from their godfathers. In
French Illinois, godfathers were friends of the family who took
a special interest in a child, especially in his/her religious
education. Godfathers were chosen when a child was born, and
they were present at the child's baptism.
© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96