Belgium children must be on their best behavior by December 4th each year, for legend states that "Old Nick" makes the first of two visits to their homes on that day. If the youngsters impress "Old Nick" on the 4th, they can expect shoes and baskets filled with toys when he returns on his feast day, December 6th. If their decorum has been less than ideal, they'll find their shoes filled with switches! In either case, children know right away that "Old Nick" has been in their homes for a visit when they wake up on his feast day---thanks to the gift-bearing visitor, their rooms are all in disarray! To make sure that "Old Nick" knows where to find them, Belgian young people lure his horse or donkey by leaving a large supply of hay, water, and carrots outside their front doors. With "old Nick's" visit taking place well before Christmas, the holiday itself is reserved for religious celebrations. One child in each village is chosen to portray St. John the Baptist in the church procession, with other youngsters carrying religious figures, shrines, and crucifixes. Belgians enjoy decorating Christmas trees in their homes. They use candy molds and cookie cutters to create wonderfully decorated images of "Old Nick". A nativity scene is an important part of many a Belgian Christmas. Three men are selected in each village to play the parts of the Magi, and they sing songs as they stroll through the streets. But by far the number-one "star" of the month-long Christmas celebration in Belgium is "Old Nick" himself, shown here with his fur-trimmed green robes, basket of gifts,---and even some switches for the unfortunate few!
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