In the Netherlands and Belgium, the character of Santa Claus has to compete with that of
Sinterklaas, Santa's presumed progenitor. Santa Claus is known as
de Kerstman in Dutch ("the Christmas man") and
Père Noël ("Father Christmas") in French. But for children in the Netherlands Sinterklaas remains the predominant gift-giver in December; 36% of the Dutch only give presents on Sinterklaas evening or the day itself (December 6
[16]), whereas Christmas (December 25) is used by another 21% to give presents. Some 26% of the Dutch population gives presents on both days.
[17] In Belgium, Sinterklaas day presents are offered exclusively to children, whereas on Christmas Day, all ages may receive presents. Sinterklaas' assistants are called "
Zwarte Pieten" (in Dutch, "Père Fouettard" in French), so they are not elves.
[18] In Switzerland,
Père Fouettard accompanies Père Noël in the French speaking region, while the sinister Schmutzli accompanies Samichlaus in the
Swiss German region. Schmutzli carries a twig broom to spank the naughty children.
[19]
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