@@For the Dutch, December 5 is a holy day. It is St.Nicholas Eve, the moment at which the Saint finally distributes his gifts. Weeks before this day he has arrived by steamboat from Spain with his white horse and his black assistant Peter. Children receive his special attention, but they only get presents if they have behaved well. How you behaved during the past year is written in the big book is continuously updated. Punishment can consist of getting no gifts, but it can be even worse: being put into a bag and subsequently sent to Spain. Kids in Holland do not sleep well in November.
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