Today, 6 December is
St. Nicholas Day.
St. Nicholas, who is the centuries-old inspiration for the beloved - if imaginary - character that many children know today as "Santa Claus," became known as the patron and protector of children, among others. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as leaving coins in the shows of those who put them out. In this area, he often visits the schools, accompanied by a donkey laden with treats for the children - at least for those who have been good.
Whatever St. Nicholas may be doing today, I know where he was last week - or at least where some upscale representations of the sainted personnage were. They were prominently featured at the Montreux Christmas Market.
St. Nicholas may have morphed into Santa Claus. But the European version is much trimmer than his North American counterpart. His coat is also much longer and doesn't usually feature a wide black belt.
These Montreux versions with their patterned coats may not catch on with the children of the world as the more traditional depiction has. But so long as they bring goodies with them, the children will probably not care too much!
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