Actors dressed as Saint Nicolas (left), and Black Pete greet children. [Photo/IC]

Netherlands: Black Petes

Across the Netherlands, Christmas celebrations startas early as Dec 5. The Santa Claus of Holland, "St. Nicholas", accompanied by a host of "Black Petes", his companions, will roll into town and send gifts to children, while children will fill their shoes with straw and candy to feed horses. However, there are an increasing number of people opposed to the tradition, arguing that that "Black Petes" are racist.