National holiday by guest photographer (I)

As I was not around on July 21, the national holiday in Belgium, I invited my friend Els Hattink (photographer and painter) whom I wrote about a few times in the past, to share her impression to fill the void. 
http://www.elshattink.net 

Celebrating St Nicholas with Dauwe and Bries

Dauwe and Bries, sons of my friend Katleen, have found a splendid way around controversy regarding Saint Nicholas' helpers. 
According to the legends, the good old man sends his helpers from the roof tops down the chimneys at night to deliver presents right into the good children's homes. These manoevers explain of course the helpers' faces.  There are many other versions. 
Suffice it to say that December 6 is a fun day for the kids in Belgium who all wake up earlier than usual,  curious to see what the Saint had brought them. 
I wish all of them a very happy Sinterklaas/Saint Nicolas!
I have written about the Saint Nic celebrations on December 6 before

http://whatisbelgium.blogspot.be/2011/12/saint-nicolas-sinterklaas.html