URS St Nicholas party

My company had a St Nicholas party on the day named for the saint, December 6. St Nicholas is more important in Belgium (and the Netherlands) than Santa Claus. This was evident in the excitement of all the kids (about 25 total) at the party.

Here is a sign on the door at my office. Note Eliot's name on the right hand side near the bottom.
While the kids waited for St. Nicholas they played with toys someone thoughtfully had ready.










Once a certain song started playing on a stereo, all the Belgian children knew St. Nicholas's arrival was imminent. The lined up and waited expectantly and excitedely. Eliot and I are in about the center of the picture. Once St. Nicholas arrived, Eliot eventually recognized him since I have been reading him a book about St. Nicholas and pointing him out in all the store window displays. I have to start showing him Santa Claus now. I'm sure it must be confusing to him - how are these men in the red suits different?


Here is St. Nicholas. Video to come. Eliot did not get his chance to meet St. Nicolas because the party was actually during his nap time and he grew more and more tired as the party progressed. Eventually we new it was time to leave and give Eliot a great St. Nicolas present - sleep!

The party was a great cultural experience and it was fun to meet the children of my coworkers.