As we grow up we may forget that the essence of Christmas was always tied up with an old sweet man wearing a red velvet coat, black belt, and long white beard. But in houses with kids, meeting Santa, hoping you’ve been good enough to presents, and putting the socks out on the fireplace is all that kids want.
In the middle of this year’s unfortunate pandemic, with all of its lockdowns, travel restrictions, rules about gatherings, and public distancing, children are now wondering that How is Santa going to deliver what they have been waiting for all year?
In Belgium, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children. There’s even a town in this European country called Sint-Niklaas which, with all of Belgium, rejoices Christmas on Dec. 6.
There are several reports on how the government of Belgium has moved quickly to calm down any fears of these kids. With a sweet message to children, Belgium’s officials have given St. Nick a special travel exemption, allowing the holly jolly gentleman to fly his sled filled with presents all over the world.
Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden and Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said in the joint letter: “Dear Saint, do what you do best: make every child happy. We are counting on you.” I wept when I heard this. This pandemic is dark and awful but you see a sort of special humanity that is beautiful.
Belgium is one of the European countries that suffered severe losses and a rise of COVID-19 cases. The government has enforced a nightly curfew alongside quarantine rules and other measures to curb infections. So the ministers mentioned in the letter to St. Nicholas to “always respect distancing, wash hands regularly and wear a face mask.”
“Every kid here is a hero, so for once, you don’t have to check it in your big book.” The ministers believe that the last nine months have been hard especially on kids because of the virus and quarantine laws. Therefore, the government officials asked St. Nick whether he could forget his nice or naughty lists this year. Beauty! And nothing more.