Saint Nicholas Est Passé!

December 6th is an important holiday in Belgium: the holiday of Saint Nicholas! (La Fête de Saint Nicholas) Traditionally, Belgians give more gifts on the day of Saint Nicholas than Christmas. However, like many other countries, Christmas (December 25th, Santa Clause, etc.) is becoming more of a celebrated holiday. Personally, I think it is kind of disappointing that the traditional cultures are slowly beginning to disappear. I think cultural diversity is an important thing and we should try to keep it for as long as we can.

"It was the day of the science/economy exams at Saint Louis. Skyler, who did not take the course, had the chance to stay at home for the day. It started off as any other day off of school; waking up with the late morning sun and walking down the hardwood stairs in a sleepy daze. She entered the kitchen and took a mug and tea bag from the cupboard to prepare a nice hot morning drink. As she reached for the faucet, something orange caught her eye. She abruptly turned her head and looked into the dining room. There, on the table, sat an arrangement of extravagant gifts surrounded in gold ribbon; bright orange clementines, boxes of cookies and biscuits, bags of candy, and most importantly, chocolate statues of the famous Saint Nicholas! Skyler had been a good exchange student, and she had been rewarded. Saint Nicholas est passé!"

"Cat Tongues"...chocolate!

(December 6, 2012)

Saint Nicholas hanging out with all of the other Nicks.

(December 6, 2012)

Saint Nicholas is serious about giving out gifts to children. Just look at that face.

(December 6, 2012)

Clementines! My favorite fruit.

(December 6, 2012)

This entire week we have been having little snow showers. I love the snow, but it seems like the Belgians don't like it. They always complain if they hear it is going to snow!

(December 6, 2012)

Little bits o' green.

(December 6, 2012)