Willothewisp

Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

It is hard to believe that it is Christmas already, the last couple of weeks have really rushed by and now here it is, the big day.

Last night we had a wonderful Christmas Eve Night having spent most of the day at Nina & Judith’s home where there was a full house crammed with four generations as well as god children, friends, guide dogs and several cats (one of which is theirs). As usual we were all well fed with some incredible treats springing from Judith’s kitchen, including a nougat ice cream that was d-e-v-i-n-e. Our adopted daughter Mia ate so much of the home made nougat that she was sick which slowed her down, but only very briefly. I also noticed that when our boys slipped out to go and meet their friends at the fair many of those sweet treats found their way into their pockets, no doubt to delight some young female friends ! We are of course waiting for the latest addition to our extended family but Nina appears to be laying down on the job, or at least her womb is ! For those thinking she would be having a Christmas baby I regret to report that it looks unlikely.

For all of our little group this last year has been difficult but it does seem to be finishing up on positive notes for us and we hope that all of you may be as fortunate as well. Where ever you are please accept our best wishes to you, may your Christmas day be spent in good company with people who care and love you.

Kindest Regards & Love from Willothewisp.

Author: Nonke

“Mama, mama, Sinterklaas hij komt !”

Sinterklaas

Such was the loud scream that woke me from a deep sleep and a dream where I had been singing to and nursing my as yet unborn baby this morning. There are times when I envy Judith her deafness like at seven am with a child screaming and bouncing about, but soon discarded the thought when I remembered they would simply have thrown themselves over her to convey their early message. Judith’s side of the bed was empty and this elicited a feeling a little guilty that she had probably already been awake and working for the last two hours while I had been dreaming. I started to drag my well rounded belly up and out of bed. The children were discussing with some vigor what would be happening at school today when Sinterklaas came to visit them, their excitement made me smile as I recalled my own childhood. As I looked at the clock I realised that it was time they got moving so I pushed them off to their bathroom to wash and dress.

In the small moment of peace and quiet after the kids had run out I heard the sounds of the kitchen downstairs and caught the warm, spiced smell of pastries baking. For the last week I had been making late night raids on the kitchen pantry to satisfy my pregnancy cravings for nice things to eat, stealing small portions of the delicious dishes that Judith had been busy making for the last ten days for various events, parties and house guests. The arrival of my in-laws yesterday had taken some of the load off her but even so I knew she will have a hard working weekend ahead of her because today (5th Dec) is the eve of the Feast of Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas. This wonderful holiday is mostly one for the children (Sinterklaas being the patron saint of sailors & children) and many adults all over The Netherlands and the Flemish areas of Belgian. Sinterklaas or the St. Nicholas’ Feast Day occurs on December 6th, is observed in most Roman Catholic countries but it is only in the Low Countries, especially in the Netherlands, that the eve of his feast day, Sinterklaasavond, (Dec 5th) is celebrated nationwide by young and old with such glee.

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Judith has added a page about this most wonderful of holidays here that you can read, complete with lots of photos, including pictures of some of the foods I have been stuffing my pregnant belly with (OK so it is an excuse, but pregnancy needs some perks!).

Today most places of business close a bit earlier than normal, with most staff disappearing home early. We spent yesterday evening decorating up the house and the children have each put out a shoe filled with a little gift for Sint Nikolaas’ horse. Judith and Yolanda will set out tables with traditional sweets, biscuits and delicious baked goodies. We always have large chocolate letters, the first initial of each person present to serve as place settings. Tonight there are fourteen chocolate to put out around the dinning table. During and after dinner we will play tricks and jokes on each other, teasing each other and make fun of each others’ habits, characteristics and mannerisms.  As we open our gifts (it must be opened it in front of others) further teasing and jokes will ensue and of course the real giver is supposed to remain anonymous, but you always know who it is. The children will of course be hoping for one of Harry’s (my father in law) wondrous toys that he is so good at making, and some other little goodies. The real joy of this holiday is the children and their reactions.

Here are some pictures from last year’s Sinterklaas celebrations at my in-laws home on their arm. harry and Yolanda have very generous spirits and a huge house which make hosting these events so perfect.

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Now I must go and help get children and dogs ready to go out to the festivities on the Vrijhoft. Please have a very happy Sinterklaasavond & Sinterklaas. To all out friends, especially Tante Nova, Karl, Simon, Caspian, Tiffy and Lou all our  love as always.

XXXXXXX     Nina and Family./

Sinterklass Web Page here