Examine how Anne tries to create some levity on st. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day is certain to be less plentiful than last year--but Anne, determined to make something festive out of the occasion, begins composing poems for each person with the help of her father. They gather everyone's shoes and put them in a large basket, then cover it with paper as a surprise. When everyone is shocked at the size of the package, Anne reads a funny poem about how times are hard but that festive "spirit" remains.