In Belgium [and other parts of Europe] they have Sinterklaas. If that sounds scary, it's because it is - for me, anyways. Sinterklaas is a tall, skinny Santa with a long, skinny beard. He has helpers [or possibly just one?] who represent some horrific racial stereotype [although that has been disputed]. Anyway, since Joseph primarily grew up in Belgium I know a bit about their cultural traditions and December 6th is St. Nicholas Day - a day on which one can expect a visit from Sinterklaas. St. Nicholas Day is the big gifts/chocolate/kid-friendly component of the xmas season, while Christmas Day is more of a religious/feasting/family-adult day. I kinda like it.
Today I celebrated St. Nicholas Day. Well, kinda. The thing about is that you are supposed to wake up and find your shoes stuffed with gifts, chocolates, treats, etc. I lacked the cold hard cash to purchase treats on Wednesday night so I played Sinterklaas in the evening - which I think is an even better surprise. I think the shoe thing is a bit bizarre, although technically stockings are socks, so that's gross too [I haven't been able to determine if they are connected]. It was amusing putting ice cream into Joseph's shoe though and he *was* quite surprised.
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