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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-12-21, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017. Presents can wait with the Baans Traditions new and old The Baan family of Walton has incorporated traditions from matriarch Monique's past, growing up in Holland, as well as new ones from their lives in Canada. There isn't, however, a rush for the tree in the Baan house, as through the years the children have always known that they have to wait. From left: Adam, Monique, Don, Emma and Ryan. (Photo submitted) By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Christmas at the Baan house in Walton has changed over the years, but as Monique said, that isn't always a bad thing when it comes to the holidays. Monique, who immigrated from Holland in 1980, says that the holidays were very different for her growing up in the Netherlands. However, adopting new traditions in a new country has made for an interesting transition. As a child, Monique celebrated the feast of Sinterklaas on Dec. 6, which is tied to St. Nicholas. The holiday operates very much like Christmas in North America, where gifts are given on St. Nicholas' Eve (the evening of Dec. 5). Sinterklaas also looks a lot like Santa Claus, although his wardrobe denotes more of a parochial figure similar to a Cardinal or the Pope in the Catholic Church. He does, however, have the abundant white hair and long beard reminiscent of Santa Claus. Sinterklaas, in this day and age, is not without his controversy, as he is aided by many "Zwarte Piet", which is translated to Black Pete. They are said to have come from Spain during the raids of the Moors and are typically depicted with colourful dress and black face, which has made them controversial and incited protests, at times, when Christmas rolls around. The festivities associated with the holidays begin on the first Saturday after Nov. 11 in Holland, which is when Sinterklaas is said to "arrive" in the country from Spain. Baan said she remembers taking =rs And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas OP* Blyth 519-523-4554 part in the holiday celebrations in Holland. The night before the holiday, she and her siblings would put out their wooden clogs by the fire. In the morning, she and her siblings would find that Sinterklaas would have visited and filled their shoes either with candy or with coal, depending on how well-behaved they had been over the course of the year. The festivities don't end there, however. In Holland, many Continued on page 16 JIM JOHNSTON CABINETRY * Kitchen Cabinets * Vanities * Wall Units Blyth Work 519-525-3639 Home 519-523-9608 ail 1 Friends. Family. Festivity. May your holiday contain all the makings of a joyous season. Thank you for making this past year a bright one for us. dime tite ��� 16., May you be blessed with good fortune this holiday season and throughout the year. Your trust means everything to us, and we thank you for the privilege of serving you. SOUTH EASTHOPE MUTUAL INSURANCE 1-800-263-9987 www.southeasthope.com Farm • Home • Auto • Commercial Working Together For Insurance That Works. =t l c ,T • CfttL,bna! May your heart be light and your cares be few as we celebrate this festive season. Merry Christmas and heartfelt thanks for your loyal patronage. PARKER PARKER 1_ nn -r ic) A name you can trust for all your DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS CT ENVIRONMENTAL 519-236-7390 R.R. #2 Zurich, NOM 2T0