Today, December 3rd 2023, is the first Sunday of Advent, and it finds Tim in festive mood. Especially since he has a very special visitor - Santa Claus!

Tim learns a bit about exactly what Santa does at Christmas, and he has a go at ringing Santa's special bell that he uses to summon his reindeer. Santa also talks a little bit about Christmas in the past - apparently Santa did not always wear red!

Advent is a season in the Christian calendar preceding Christmas, and it also refers to the more secular Christmas season or holiday season, involving decorations (both public and in people's homes) and quite a bit of shopping for Christmas presents!
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Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, and not always on the same date. Some of you may have started opening the doors on your Advent calendar.

There are many different traditions, so I will just mention that in The Netherlands (Holland) it starts with Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) on November 11th, where children carry paper lanterns through the streets, and are given sweets.

About a week later, Saint Nicholas (better known as Sinterklaas) arrives. Although supposedly a Turkish bishop, he arrives on a boat from Spain. Go figure! He hands out presents, fruit and spicy biscuits. Then on December 5th, a bag of presents arrives, traditionally with a big bump at the front door. All very exciting, especially for the children, and the young at heart...

After that, the countdown to Christmas begins, although December 24th is a normal working day, and the traditional Christmas dinner is more low key than in some countries. Called Gourmetten, it consists of grilled meat, cheese and vegetables, a bit like a raclette.

Santa and Tim wish you all the best for the festive season, and so all of us here at Grand Illusions!