Happy St. Nicholas Day in Holland

[iHaunt]

I read about this one on other forums.... I didn't know they are celebrating "Happy Saint Nicholas Day!" in Holland?

[Murfreesboro]

I think in some countries, especially Germanic ones (and I'd count Holland among those), Santa Claus visits the children on the Feast of St. Nicholas, which is Dec. 6. My aunt lived in Germany (Bavaria) in the mid-1950s, and she told me that the children's Santa Claus was totally separate from the religious observance of Christmas over there at that time. I guess the adults exchange presents on Christmas Eve, or something like that.

I have also read that in some German areas (maybe the Protestant ones, where saints' days aren't much observed) an angel representing the Christ Child gives the children their gifts. Cristkindel, or something like that. (I know I've spelled it wrong.)

Then there are those cultures where the gifts are brought to the children on Three Kings' Day, January 6 (the Feast of Epiphany, when, traditionally, the three kings visited the Christ child, bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh).

Since America is largely Protestant, lots f us don't pay attention to saints' days. Consequently, Christmas Eve/Christmas Day is when it all happens for us. Historically, Christmas was more of a season than a day. But our way is more efficient for a country that has been devoted to business. My aunt used to say that the Bavarians were always taking off work for some saint's day or other.

[iHaunt]

http://en.wikipedia.org/Saint_Nicholas

It's likely "Happy Mini-Christmas!"

All Christians technically celebrate it; regardless of location, as far as I am aware. However, most western countries celebrate it, yes.