Tonight we Dutch people celebrate....

[DutchMaster]

St. Nicholas birthday
Read on:
http://www.thehollandring.com/sinterklaas.htm

[desmocat]

Thanks, I always enjoy reading about different stuff about how the various celebrations of the holidays came about.
Reading about St. Nicholas' birthday got me thinking about something.
Do people in Europe adorn their homes with "Christmas" lights, kind of like we do here in the U.S?
I was wondering what ways people in other countries do up their homes during the holidays.
I am resonably sure the light thing here in the states comes from something brought over from Europe long ago, and in that way, what do the lights on the houses signify? Is it a signal for St. Nick/Santa/Father Christmas to stop by? Just wondering.
Thanks for the link, it was very interesting.

[fortysomething]

Thanks DutchMaster. My grandfather emmigrated to the US when he was 9. Mom has visited 2x, and someday I'd like to.

FYI- Grampa was really bad one year, and actually got 'cow paddies' in his wooden shoes!

[Ultima]

Well Desmocat,

I'm from Holland too, and we do celebrate christmas, but mostly not as big as Americans celebrate it.

In my city, most people see christmas as the holidays after st. Nicholas, and have big dinners, but still not as big as you celebrate it.

Ultima

[Spartan]

The Christmas markets in Germany were my favorites. All those people in the open air -- shopping, laughing, and singing, (oh and drinking glühwein!). It was very "dickensesque".

[Cerb]

i dont know alot about dutch Ppl but i sure know how to PARTY!!!!!

[evebabyblue]

Thanks Dutchmaster - My roots are dutch as well - goes back a ways but its there!

wizofid

[Cerb]

Nice another junior member Welcome

[alpha]

I wished I lived in a country with legalised cannabis.

[DutchMaster]

Actually its tolerated not legalised. Thats a big differance.