Who knew what an impact a man dressed in red would have on me. He takes many forms with varying assistants, but when December approaches I am thinking about meeting him somewhere new.
When I was little St. Nicholas would always come to my house before I awoke on December 6th. My stocking would hold the most wonderful chocolates and cookies. I thought he traveled alone, but when I visited Krakow I learned of the angels and devil that travel with him. Probably good I never awoke to see the crowd.
The Netherlands seem to be the last stop. He arrives with Zwarte Piet by boat from Spain. The celebration seems to last a little longer in Amsterdam. We attended a Sinterklaas celebration on December 7th, but then he did have a glass of wine in his hand.
I have yet to encounter Krampus (Frightening devil-like figure with St. Nicholas in Austria), but it is on our list of places to celebrate December 6th.
Check out this fabulous web site if you are looking for the man in the red suit and can't wait until December 25th. http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=76
For the best place to secure a hand carved statue of the angel and devil explore the Christmas Market http://www.cracow-life.com/poland/krakow-christmas-market
