Christmas in Belgium

Belgium has two Santa Claus figures known as St. Nicholas and Pere Noel. St Nicholas visits those people who speak the Waloon language twice. On December 4th, Nicholas visits them to find out whether children have been good or bad that year. Good children receive gifts such as candies and toys from the saint on 6th December while bad children get only twigs in their shoes or small baskets kept just inside their doors. Pere Noel visits people who speak French on 6th December along with his friend Pere Fouettard to know whether the children have been good or bad. Good children receive chocolates and candies while bad children just get a handful of sticks.

December 6th is celebrated as the feast of St Nicholas and is the main festival here. It is a religious occasion and services in churches and quiet family gatherings at homes abound. Special cakes are baked and served as treats during the holiday season. In Flanders or Dutch-speaking areas, St. Nicholas's birthday on 6th of December is a separate occasion where he comes in with gifts while people have begun celebrating Christmas in American way on 25th of December as seen in the movies or read about in storybooks. Some Belgian parents may keep gifts under the Christmas tree for their children or gifts and presents for all the family members but this is not a rule. Santa is only for small kids and brings gifts on Christmas Eve or even in weeks before Christmas.