Everyone likes a good party. In winter, parties mean a lot to many. They bring cheer. In the time of the Pandemic, parties can feel a little disconnected. Everyone on Zoom politely waits their turn to speak in their little box. There isn’t that undertone of chatter heard at an in-person party. No holiday music strumming in the background. But the plus side is that online you can see people from any place on the planet, as long as you have the right time zones.
In Strasbourg, France, and in Belgium, December 5th is the celebration or “Fête” of Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas is also celebrated in Prague and parts of Eastern Europe. Unlike his cousin, “Père Noël,” St. Nicholas was born in Turkey and is tall and thin. In France, he has “Père Fouettard” or “father the whipper” along with him as he goes and visits children and gives them chocolates and oranges. When St. Nicholas visits at night, famlies leave a glass of water and carottes for his donkey. St. Nicholas on Zoom looks a little stiff, but he makes an appearance. As for “Père Fouettard,” he is a metaphoe for the harshness of life. No need for violence. But in earlier times, life was tough for children. In Prague, in December there are a few St. Nicholas characters running around with a child portraying the Devil and a child portraying the Angel. The Devil plays nasty tricks and then gives out coal to bad children. The Angel gives out chocolate and oranges to good children. In French we say that good children are “les enfants sages” or “sage children.”
In France, during the Middle Ages and before, Pagan rituals focused on the Saturnales which occurred in December. People sang, held feasts, danced, and expressed a general feeling of merriment during the cold, harsh winter. Then, gradually as France became more Christian, the birth of the baby Jesus was celebrated; and it was called Christmas. People liked the festive feeling, reminding people of kindness and generosity in the dark of winter.
In our household, St. Nicholas comes at night on December 5th and leaves chocolates and oranges in a sock. Then on the 24th Santa Claus or “Père Noël” would make an in-person visit. The story goes that dad had to make a last-minute run to the store. Then Santa Claus appears saying that he had to park his reindeer on Salt Creek. When the girls began to notice that Santa had the same watch as dad, Santa began to come at night as they slept. He leaves the toys by the tree, eats some cookies, and is gone. Gradually our family turned to holding its own exchanges of gifts. There is much talk as to whether Santa Claus really exists. I put in a good argument for “Yes.” Then we talk about faith and how there are kind people who care about children in the world. We talk about caring, giving, looking out for one another. And always we have great fun cooking great food for the eve of Christmas and Christmas Day. I pull my husband and girls in on the decision-making for cooking. This year it will be a home-cooked Chinese food feast with Prawns in Green Beans, Beef Stew Szechuan style, Chicken in Brown Sauce, West Lake Whole Fish, lots of fresh ginger, green onions and soy sauce. We sit together in our cozy dining room, enjoying the meal together.
In the time of this Pandemic, behavior is more subdued. The family discusses what presents they would like. We discuss books we like, give hints - subtle and not so subtle. We order presents online. I remember when my mother told me about the cast iron nutcracker in the shape of a dog. Its jaws smashed walnuts as you lifted its tail up and down. That nutcracker was her gift one Christmas because her mom and dad did not have enough money to get her a present at Marshal Field’s, a famous department store. But her parents gave her something.
We also think about giving something to help those less fortunate. We donate a hive of bees or chickens for families in another country. We adopt an endangered species and give a little more to certain organizations we like. It is a privilege to be generous and we are grateful we can give what we can.
My only wish this holiday time is that we come together, feel good cheer with each other, and help each other out. Life would be bleek, if we did not do our part to help. Bonne Fête et Joyeux Noël.