Acceptable for an ugly American. :) Of course, I say that in jest. It is well known that we as a whole know very little about other cultures.

In the days leading up to December 6, children throughout Europe put their shoes or a special St. Nicholas boot in front of the fireplace or the front door at night to find them filled with small presents the next morning. A larger amount of gifts is usually brought on the eve of St. Nicholas Day or December 5. See here