On the sixth of December was the annual Fête de Saint Nicolas. For all the non-Belgians, this is similar to how Santa brings presents and treats to children. However instead of it being on Christmas eve, it is on the sixth. So essentially they have to two Christmases. This might sound amazing but the days before this they have the university students dress up in long lab coats with cartoon characters drawn on them, go around town asking for money. Here's the kicker. If you do not give them some they throw flour at you, and occasionally there is one or two of them that throw eggs. This has lead the younger high-school students to carry eggs of their own. The moral of this story is don't be in Liege during the first two weeks of December. Back to the story of Saint Nicolas. From what my Belgians have told me its the same a man breaks into your house and leaves treats behind, however every family celebrates it on a different day, and with presents varying from the common small treats to a few receiving their large gift from Santa early. This a lead to one very confused Peter. How ever from what i understand, Saint Nicolas still carries a strong Catholic presence (robes and what not). Also, instead of elves he has helpers that are covered in coal. I'm not exactly sure why. And that children is the story of Saint Nicolas.
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