Holland (Decorated by Eileen Jowitt)

Merry Christmas – Zalig Kerstfeast

St Nicholas arrives in November Holland with his gifts. He is dressed in Bishop’s robes and journeys in a boat with his helper Black Peter (Zwart Piet) who wears Spanish clothes. He rides a white horse through the streets in a great parade. December 5th is Sinterklaas Eve when presents are exchanged. Farmers in Holland blow long horns at sunset during the Christmas period. This is to announce the coming of Christmas.