Netherland to Darjeeling: A Darjeeling SANTA Update

He was on a horse, with a Bishop’s hat and a long white flowing beard, ploughing through the crowded lanes of the town, a gaggle of street children in tow and a trail of amused locals looked on.

“Father Christmas! Father Christmas!” shrieked the kids.

“Untimely Santa Claus,” nodded informed some adults, little realising that the Dutch had heralded the start of the Christmas celebrations in earnest in the town this year.

A couple from Netherlands, both students, Mr Raymond Landgraaf and Ms Blanca Van Den Brand, who are living here temporarily, were out celebrating their country’s favoured tradition, St Nicholas Day.

The couple with help from local friends rounded up street children as they marched through the town. The parade ended at the French-run café on Robertson Road, where nearly 25 children were fed, shown a film and given small gifts.

“I used to see parties happening in restaurants but I never thought I would one day be able to join one,” whispered a shy Mohammed Ashique, a 12-year-old beggar boy. The kids insisted Mr Landgraaf who was dressed in the traditional attire of Father Christmas.

“I am St Nicholas,” he countered, explaining how in the Netherlands 5 December is a big festival, where the Saint goes around on horseback distributing gifts and sweets to children.

“We just wanted to share our tradition and cheer the children here,” said Mr Landgraaf who’s a medical student from Amsterdam.

The two Frenchmen at the café La Casse Croute were up until 2:30 am this morning preparing all kinds of cookies for the children. “Ray (Mr Landgraaf) came to us and said he wanted to celebrate St Nicholas Day by feeding poor children.

I thought it was a good idea and decided to join in,” said Mr Patrice Durcudoy, one the owners of the café.

So how did you feel going around the town?

“It was really funny. First people were looking at us surprised wherever we went, but then they started to smile and wave. It will be funny telling this story to our parents later in the evening — that we celebrated St Nicholas Day in Darjeeling!” said Ms. Van Den Brand.