Christmas in Belgium revolves round two Santa Claus figures. One is the St. Nicholas and the other is Pere Noel. Those Belgians who speak Waloon language are visited by St. Nicholas while Pere Noel visits the French speaking people. Christmas in Belgium presently has more of American tradition coming over the people.
It is believed that during Belgium Christmas, St. Nicholas visits the people twice. The first time he visits is on December 4th to see which children are good and which children are bad. The good children are considered to return on 6th December with their deserved gifts. Those children who are bad are left back with twigs. The gifts good children get from St. Nicholas are candy and toys while the bad children are given twigs inside their shoes and also in small baskets which are kept inside the courtyard. One thing to be noted is that St. Nicholas has nothing to do with Christmas. December 6th is the birthday of St. Nicholas when he visits all the children and presents gifts to them.
The French speaking people are visited by Pere Noel. He is said to visit his companion Pere Fouettard and takes note of the wellness of the children. The good children are given chocolates and candies while the bad and ones are likely to get handful of sticks as gifts.
But Christmas in Belgium for gift givers is on 6th of December, which is the feast of St. Nicholas. This is a religious occasion and it is celebrated with services in the churches and also in quiet family gatherings. People prepare special cakes and are served in this holiday season, which are a treat for children as well as adults. The other part is the "Flanders" where the language spoken is Dutch.
Next for celebration is December 6th when people celebrate Christmas in Belgium. This day is celebrated as the birth of Jesus when he brings presents for the children. Presently, Christmas in Belgium has more like that of America with people going to movies and buying storybooks.
Christmas in Belgium is also celebrated with gifts found under Christmas tree. Some families buy gifts for one another and these are put under trees. There is no Santa Claus to bring these gifts. But where there are little children, it is the Santa who brings gifts and these are put under trees. This generally happens during Christmas eve but sometimes it can happen on the weeks before Christmas. The gifts are unwrapped on the evening before Christmas or during midnight mass. These are also opened after Christmas dinner or on the morning of Christmas.
Authentic online information on Christmas in Belgium and also New Year in Belgium offered at travel.mapsofworld
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