This year Russell and I decided that the kids were old enough to introduce them to a beloved German tradition that I grew up celebrating. It is a Dutch/German holiday called St. Nicholas Eve. It is celebrated on the 5
th of December and as the story goes St. Nicholas and his companion
Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) travel on horses through out the country side delivering small toys and goodies to the good girls and boys. Children would place their newly polished shoes outside in hopes of receiving something special and occasionally they would set out a carrot and a bucket of water to refresh the riders horses. This tale is something to look forward to if you have been good, minding your parents and behaving like a proper child but it has a much darker side than the American tale of Santa Claus, who only leaves a lump of Cole for those who have been naughty. This is where
Zwarte Piet steps in. According to the more modern Saint Nicholas legend,
Zwarte Piet is a servant who accompanies Saint Nicholas on his holiday travels. In some versions, it is alleged that Saint Nicholas once liberated a young slave named Peter, who decided to serve Nicholas (as a free servant) rather than enjoy liberty alone.
Zwarte Piet is today commonly depicted as a black man in the colorful pantaloons, feathered cap and ruffles of a Renaissance European Page, a tradition based on a single illustration in a book published in 1850.
Zwarte Piet is often portrayed as a mischievous but rarely a mean-spirited character. Parents used to tell their children that if they have been good,
Zwarte Piet will bring them gifts and sweets, but if they have been bad,
Piet will scoop them up, stuff them in his huge
dufflebag and spirit them away to Spain for a year to teach them manners as punishment. Though this is increasingly uncommon nowadays, he can still carry some type of whip or scourge, especially a birch, which could be used for birching or in modern words, to chastise children who have been too naughty to deserve presents. The character is believed to have been derived from pagan traditions of evil spirits.
After listening to the legend of Saint Nicholas and
Zwarte Piet the kids were excited to find a pair of shoes and set them out on the porch. We had polished their Sunday shoes but they both agreed that they had been especially good all year long and decided instead on setting out their moon boots which were much bigger and could hold a lot more. That evening Bailey fell right to sleep. However,
Lukie was up half the night, terrified about what he might encounter the following morning and required verbal reassurance all evening long that he had indeed been a good boy. The next morning Bailey ran for the front door in excitement and found her moon boots filled to the brim with all kinds of treats. Luke was a little more apprehensive, not quite sure if his boots or
Zwarte Piet was going to greet him on the porch. He was more than relieved to find that his moon boots were also stuffed with small gifts and goodies and of course a note from St. Nicholas' companion. It said that children must mind their parents because they love them and know what is best for them. To always use your manners and be on your best behavior. Be understanding of others and always use kind words. Be selfless and giving to those in need. If you continue to do these things then you will never have to worry about Black Pete.
So, I have quickly come to the realization that there is absolutely
nothing wrong with instilling a little bit of fear in your youngsters. I haven't had to remind Luke once since Dec. 5
th to be a good boy. He has been an absolute model child and we are very proud of him. As you can see this particular tradition has worked rather well for our family. (as I'm sure it has for many other families throughout the world) Now I totally understand why my parents insisted on celebrating this fabulous German holiday year after year. (besides the fact that my father,
Uwe, is German) You can never have too many reminders to be on your best behavior. It is
definitely something that we continue through out the years with our little ones.
Bailey and her loot
Lukie relieved to have treats in his shoes instead of the alternative.
Saint Nicholas Eve has taken the place of our Christmas Stockings. We figure that the kids are so inundated with things on Christmas morning that the stockings are just too much for them. It has been a fun way to continue to celebrate and pass down the traditions of my German heritage.
What Luke thinks about the Switch and the bag.
Not having it!
This is the second year that Bailey has done a Christmas Program with "Children's Discovery". Last year she sang "I'm the littlest Christmas Tree" and she was with the group of little 3 year olds. This year she has moved up an age group and sang the Big kids song "Hey, Hey Pack up the Sleigh". She did such a great job! We could hear her voice over the top of all the other children just belting her little heart out. We were so proud of her!
It's a yearly tradition that the Dad's get to be Rudolf when the kids sing "Rudolf the red nose reindeer." All the men get up in front of everyone with their big funny red noses and sing with the children. Russ was a great sport and continued to wear his nose until it was taken by Luke so he could feel big and manly by wearing one too.
Our Future Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer!
