Saint Nicholas: what traditions among us and our neighbors?

Each family has its own customs around the feast of Saint Nicholas. Gifts, tangerines, shoes under the fireplace… A brief overview of the traditions of Belgium and elsewhere.

In Belgium, the Netherlands and the North of France, good children are spoiled by Saint Nicholas on the morning of December 6 (Saint Nicholas often stays overnight). A very deep-rooted tradition! But aside from gifts and sweets, certain details vary from family to family and city to city.

Saint Nicholas Day is a good opportunity to see loved ones again. A family gathering where traditions remain attached to the values ​​of generosity and sharing, symbolizing the approaching Christmas spirit.

Shoes under the fireplace

It is customary to leave your little shoes in front of the fireplace so that the great Saint can place fruit and sweets there. In some families, shoes are left the day before December 6th. For others, they are placed about a week before the arrival of Saint Nicholas, and each evening, attention is placed there to count down the days with desire!

Generally, in Belgium, kids receive speculoos, chocolate coins or figurines, marshmallows… Not forgetting a small tangerine! In Alsace and Lorraine, December 6 is more of an opportunity to eat gingerbread and mannele, small brioches in the shape of a man.

For the great Saint

To properly welcome Saint Nicholas, tradition dictates that we leave him, also in front of the fireplace, a glass of milk or a glass of wine. Some Belgians will even offer him a beer! There are also small biscuits to help him hold on during his gift distribution tour. His donkey is not left out since we often leave a few carrots lying around for him.

And “package boat”?

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas arrives on a boat, the “pakjesboot”, and is welcomed with great pomp by the authorities, after having crossed the city on his white horse, during a colorful procession, two weeks before the December 6. D-day is synonymous with hunting for gifts in all homes. It is truly the most important children’s day in the Netherlands.

In Wallonia and Brussels, Saint Nicholas travels on the back of a horse or donkey (but we also see him pulled in a cart). From Mechelen to Liège, processions are organized, during which sweets are distributed to little Belgians. As for the students, Saint Nicholas Day is synonymous with the last hurray before the blockade and the exams: dressed in their aprons, they party all night and parade through the student towns.

Be wise otherwise, coal?

Father Fouettard, it is the tradition which is controversial… He is the faithful teammate of Saint Nicholas, slips into the chimneys before him and is therefore covered in soot. Its second role would be to punish children who have not been good by giving them a piece of coal instead of a candy. The role of bad henchman tends to disappear and that’s good.

Justine, 32 years old. “Saint Nicholas Day was a huge family event! Three weeks before the big day, we placed our shoes under the fireplace and received candy every night. Then on December 6, the family met again, with all the cousins. We were entitled to a plate of sweets and we received a small gift (around twenty euros)”.

Soline, 28 years old. “My grandfather’s birthday was shortly before December 6th. So, we celebrated both at the same time! We all met at my grandparents’ house, then we went to the restaurant together. When we came back… Surprise! There was candy everywhere in the house and presents.”

Tatiana, 40 years old. “When my children are at school, I place candy from the entrance to their room. When they come home, they follow the path to their presents! And depending on the toys, we assemble them: for example, if it is an electrical circuit, it is already unpacked and installed! We also offer an extra book to encourage them to read.”

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