How the Dutch celebrate Christmas
So apparently, in the Netherlands and Flanders, there's also Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) who accompanies (is a servant to) Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) during the holidays to distribute presents and the like. While I find the creation/history of Zwarte Piet extremely offensive, I also found this kind of hilarious when I read it off Wiki:
"Parents used to tell their children that if they have been good, Zwarte Piet will bring them gifts and sweets, but if they have been bad, Piet will scoop them up, stuff them in his huge dufflebag and spirit them away to Spain as punishment."
Apparently, bad children have to go to Spain. I'm not sure if that's better or worse than a lump of coal.
I also wonder how Spain feels about this.
Spain: Holland I--
Netherlands: I'm the Netherlands. Holland is just a region in my house, Moron.
Spain: ... Whatever. Look, we've known each other for a very long time. Back when you were still the Dutch Republic, even! So think about how far back we go.
Netherlands: And?
Spain: And I would appreciate it if you didn't tell your people that if they're bad, they'll be sentenced to my home. There is nothing wrong with my home.
Netherlands: Right.
Spain: There isn't!
Netherlands: Sure.
Spain: Stop that!
Netherlands: Stop what?
Spain: Stop saying it like that!
Netherlands: Like what?
Spain: Like you don't believe me.
Netherlands: I never said I didn't believe you.
Spain: You implied it. My house is mega awesome.
Netherlands: Uh huh.
Spain: I hate you... Also, stop sending children to me at Christmas.
Netherlands: But it's funny!
Spain: They could die in the post!
Netherlands: I give them air holes.
"Parents used to tell their children that if they have been good, Zwarte Piet will bring them gifts and sweets, but if they have been bad, Piet will scoop them up, stuff them in his huge dufflebag and spirit them away to Spain as punishment."
Apparently, bad children have to go to Spain. I'm not sure if that's better or worse than a lump of coal.
I also wonder how Spain feels about this.
Spain: Holland I--
Netherlands: I'm the Netherlands. Holland is just a region in my house, Moron.
Spain: ... Whatever. Look, we've known each other for a very long time. Back when you were still the Dutch Republic, even! So think about how far back we go.
Netherlands: And?
Spain: And I would appreciate it if you didn't tell your people that if they're bad, they'll be sentenced to my home. There is nothing wrong with my home.
Netherlands: Right.
Spain: There isn't!
Netherlands: Sure.
Spain: Stop that!
Netherlands: Stop what?
Spain: Stop saying it like that!
Netherlands: Like what?
Spain: Like you don't believe me.
Netherlands: I never said I didn't believe you.
Spain: You implied it. My house is mega awesome.
Netherlands: Uh huh.
Spain: I hate you... Also, stop sending children to me at Christmas.
Netherlands: But it's funny!
Spain: They could die in the post!
Netherlands: I give them air holes.