Found this today and thought it was interesting, if brief. [img]smile.gif[/img]

The Many Faces of Santa

As far as i know, Sinterklaas has nothing to do with santa, at least not here in the Netherlands. They are both different individuals. Our children believe Sinterklaas comes from Spain and arrives on a steamboat, and santa is from the North Pole, and arrives on a sleigh through the air.

We have St. Nicholas (in bishop's hat and robes) on the 6thof December, who hands out coins (usually chocolate!) and oranges, besides Santa Claus.

[ 12-08-2004, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]

Yeah, that's somewhat the same as overhere, except he also drops presents through the chimney, that's what kids expect him to do anyway. And then they expect Santa to do basically the same thing when it's Christmas, except this time it doesn't involve a chimney, he can leave the presents under the tree.

Spoiled little rats. :D

Just thought you guys might also want to read about the Icelandic Santa Clauses... they are actually 13 and called Yulemen...
Also check on their mother... Grýla... scary chick... [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 12-08-2004, 12:56 PM: Message edited by: Jorath Calar ]

Ladle Licker....LOL!

Yikes, Iceland has scary traditions..their cat used to people who didn't get new clothes? WHOA! :D LOL! *hides under the table and tries to remember if she's got any new items of clothing handy*

[ 12-08-2004, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]

What? You have that in NY? We had that in Germany...

What? You have that in NY? We had that in Germany... </font>[/QUOTE]Yep, we do! It's a religious holiday. We usually give out chocolate to the kids at church - one of the men dresses up as Saint Nicholas. [img]smile.gif[/img]

wow, never heard of teh st nicholas thing. i grew up catholic, what church do you attend?

i really like our church (LDS) apparently at preisthood meeting they discussed not overcommercializing christmas and stuff. basically makes a little glad we don't have much $$$ to spend on presents.