This is a re/postung of the traditions of the christmas season in Holland and so i join in the fun of a white christmas in July!
Last weekend i start putting up decorations and this week my kids will be full of excitement concerning the "St Nicholas" festivity.They make a special present for a class-mate A fun present and write poems for eachotherEvery year he arrive's around the 5th of december ( this year it will be held on there last schoolday coming friday) at there school with a boat and lot of music...Here is a video from my daughters class from last year celebration and arrival of "St Nicholas"
Also some pictures of last year to give an impression of the arrival
This video gives an good view of how it will look like the coming weeks in Holland
This song is an typical christmas dutch song , what goes along with this video to give an impression of the atmosfere and tradition celebrations in Holland :
You are welcome Jesu, my dear Lord,
You come from very high abd far away.
You are welcome from high up above.
Here on earthly kingdom Thou weren't seen again.
Kyrieleis.
Christe Kyrieleison, let us sing in joy,
With which our songs'll be starting free.
Jesus is born in the Holy Christmas Night,
Of a Virgin pure, in high standings.
Kyrieleis.
The sheppards in the field heard a new song,
They didn't know Jesus was born.
Go in to further streets, and you will find him there;
Bethl'em is the town, were it all happened"
Kyrieleis.
Three holy kings from far a land,
Searched our Lord with their sacrifice.
They gave myrrh, incense and gold
In the honour of the Child, that enholds.
Kyrieleis.
Traditions Of The Country:
To the Dutch, St. Nicholas' Day is the time for the greatest revelry of the Christmas season. Sinterklaas arrives from Spain on the last Saturday of November aboard a steamer named Pakjesboot 12. His grand arrival and subsequent celebration are broadcasted live on national television in the Netherlands and Belgium. He has a long red cape, wears a white bishop's dress and red bishop's hat, and holds a crosier, which is a long gold colored staff with a fancy curled top. He carries a big book that tells whether each child has been good or naughty in the past year.
Because Sinterklaas is so old he needs help which comes in the form of Zwarte Piet, also known as Black Pete. His black skin refers to his job as a chimney sweep and legend has it that naughty children were put in to his bag and taken back to Spain. However today you will find no children in this bag, it only contains candy for nice children and a chimneysweep's broom or roe, which is a bunch of willow branches used to spank the naughty children.
Come December 5th Dutch children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas. Before going to bed they put their shoes next to the fireplace or central heating unit along with a carrot or some hay and a bowl of water for Sinterklaas horse, Amerigo. Upon his arrival, he leaves small gifts and treats, accompanied by a Sinterklaas poem, for them to enjoy.
Christmas decorations in the Netherlands include rustic Christmas décor such as pine and holly boughs, simple lights, and candles. Candy wreaths often decorate trees and small treats may be given with gifts. Stollen Christmas Cakes are like our fruit cake. They are a pastry which can contain a variety of ingredients such as dried fruits, raisins and currants, lemon and orange zest, chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts and different spices such as cardamom and cinnamon.
December 25 is still a holiday in the Netherlands, but because the chief occasion for gift-giving is Sinterklaas Avond this latter part of the holiday season is generally more spiritual. It involves church services, concerts, and recitals showcasing religious material. This day is a time for family gatherings and delicious meals, including special breakfasts and formal dinners.
.•:*¨ Vrolijk kerstfeest ¨*:•.
.•:*¨ Merry Christmas¨*:•.
Romans 12!