Global Beer Network: Holiday Season!!!

It is that time of year again where people are standing in lines to buy presents, watching holiday movies and drinking egg nog. It can be a stressful time but we at Global Beer Network want to wish you a safe and Happy Holiday season!!!

Anways, Did you ever wonder how people in Belgium celebrate Christmas?

There are actually two Santa Clauses. St. Nicholas is the one that visits the children who speak Waloon. The other one is Pere Noel that visits the children who speak French. St. Nicholas visits the children twice. On December 4th, he sees which ones are good and which ones are bad. Then on December 6th, he delivers toys and candy to the good children and leaves twigs for the bad children. I guess twigs are better than getting coal!!!

Pere Noel visits the children with his companion Pere Fouettard. He gives the good children candies and chocolates. The bad children get a handful of sticks.

St. Nicholas's birthday is on December 6th and he has nothing to do with Christmas. The American culture has brought their traditions over to Belgium in regards to Santa Claus on Christmas. (http://www.santas.net/belgianchristmas.htm).

And that is what occurs in Belgium!!!