Winter holidays and traditions in my country Magazin | Page 3

Country Holiday & Date of
celebration
Belgium Saint Nicholas
In Belgium, Saint Nicholas
passes every year on the 6th
of December. It is a well-
known holiday in most
European countries. Saint
Nicholas was a noble man who
gave his cape to a poor man.
The holy man wears a
beautiful red cape and a
golden staff. He also wears a
mitre.
He
is
often
accompanied by his black pets
who help him punish the kids
who have been naughty this
year. Saint Nicholas arrives on
the 5th of December from
Spain in his boat. All the kids
like Saint Nicolas because on
the 6th of December they
receive all kinds of gifts like
candy or other presents.
December 24th, 25th
Traditions and Customs
Our two mascots
Here in Belgium, there are a lot of different traditions
for celebrating the end of the year. Two figures are
important in the Belgium’s culture: Santa Claus and Saint
Nicholas. Santa Claus is a famous figure who brings to
every kid some gifts during the night of the 25th December,
but it’s mainly a commercial personage. However, Saint
Nicholas is a real traditional figure, for us and for our
neighbors from Holland. He is along with Bogeyman, a
black-skin-man, and his donkey. They come together to the
houses the night of the 6th December for bringing gifts and
candies to the kids. Let a beer and a carrot for his donkey
on the table and they will be happy!
Christmas is not only one of the most important dates in
the Christian calendar but also one of the most popular
family celebrations.
Long before the birth of Christ, the period of December
25th was accompanied by festivities celebrating the winter
solstice and the return of the sun.
Christmas celebrates each year the birth of Jesus of
Nazareth. It is with Easter one of the great Christian
holidays.
Then, on the 24th December, in the evening, it’s
Christmas Eve, there is a big evening meal with family