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In many countries across central and eastern Europe, December 6th is a day when children prepare for a unique visitor – Saint Nikolaus.
But why does the Santa look-alike come so early and why do all the children place their shoes outside their front doors on the evening before?
Is Nikolaus the… View moreIn many countries across central and eastern Europe, December 6th is a day when children prepare for a unique visitor – Saint Nikolaus.
But why does the Santa look-alike come so early and why do all the children place their shoes outside their front doors on the evening before?
Is Nikolaus the same as Santa Claus?
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Though they have similar outfits, Nikolaus is not to be confused with Santa Claus, whom Germans call the Weihnachtsmann or Father Christmas. They are two different people. By the way, the picture how we see our modern Santa nowadays is an invention of the Coca-Cola Company.
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Who is Nikolaus, then?
Each year on December 6th, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra (now the Anatolia region of modern Turkey), who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles and giving gifts secretly and is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students. Known as Nicholas the "Wonderworker" for his miracles, he is also identified with Santa Claus. Beliefs and traditions about Nikolaus were probably combined with German mythology, particularly regarding stories about the bearded pagan god Odin, who also had a beard and a bag to capture naughty children.
On the eve of Sankt Nikolaus’ Day, people clean their houses, and children polish special boots known as ‘Nikolaus-Stiefel’. They leave them outside along with letters for Nikolaus, as well as carrots or hay for his horse. The children also recite poems and sing songs for Nikolaus and make presents for him. The following morning the shoes and boots will be filled with sweets, nuts and fruit, though if the children haven’t been good, they may get the more disappointing offerings of potatoes, twigs or coal!
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What can we do to make you smile?
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Auckland Transport is working with Hibiscus and Bays Local Board to change roads in Torbay and Mairangi Bay town centres.
Hi neighbours. We've had reports people have had their delivered meal kits stolen from their doorstep. With these services growing in popularity, we're interested to look further into this. Do you receive a food delivery service? Have you had yours stolen or have you ever taken one that … View moreHi neighbours. We've had reports people have had their delivered meal kits stolen from their doorstep. With these services growing in popularity, we're interested to look further into this. Do you receive a food delivery service? Have you had yours stolen or have you ever taken one that wasn't yours? Let us know in the comments or email caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz with your experiences.
[Please type NFP if your comment is not for print.]
Residents fighting developments near Okura's marine reserve are welcoming an Auckland Council move t…
Click LIKE or THANK to go into a draw to win a pack of five best-selling books!
The pack includes Cassandra Clare’s brand new blockbuster, Queen of Air and Darkness, the epic finale to The Dark Artifices series; the ever-popular Kate Furnivall returns with her deeply moving The Survivors; … View moreClick LIKE or THANK to go into a draw to win a pack of five best-selling books!
The pack includes Cassandra Clare’s brand new blockbuster, Queen of Air and Darkness, the epic finale to The Dark Artifices series; the ever-popular Kate Furnivall returns with her deeply moving The Survivors; In Pieces is actress Sally Field’s haunting and powerful memoir; Fear is the inside story of President Trump, as only Bob Woodward can tell it; and finally, take a peek into Reese Witherspoon’s world with the beautiful Whiskey in a Teacup.
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2016 Holden Trax LS Active Pack
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Almost new L Shaped Sofa in creme colour, comfortable and elegant, original price was of $3,899 by LazBoy Furniture Gallery.
Buyer must pick it up! (Browns Bay)
Wanted to buy: Xylophone in good condition, or similar instrument.
Such a great day again spent with the Team offering Free Body Scan and giving tips on how to live a Healthy Active Lifestyle. People are getting their 3 Day Trial, it's great to see😍 Great work Team!
We are local Health coaches and, we would love to meet you and give you tips as to how you… View moreSuch a great day again spent with the Team offering Free Body Scan and giving tips on how to live a Healthy Active Lifestyle. People are getting their 3 Day Trial, it's great to see😍 Great work Team!
We are local Health coaches and, we would love to meet you and give you tips as to how you can too become healthier and live a much happier life ❤️
If you would like to know more, please let us know and we can arrange a time with you😊
Call Armelle - 022 646 5967
Hi Neighbours!
The December edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers
In this issue we talk about the changes to GP fees. If you have a Community Services Card you may be entitled to cheaper doctor visits.
Need some … View moreHi Neighbours!
The December edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers
In this issue we talk about the changes to GP fees. If you have a Community Services Card you may be entitled to cheaper doctor visits.
Need some motivation in the kitchen? Try our delicious Mexican Salsa Salad from the NZ Nutrition Foundation.
To subscribe, follow this link: bit.ly...
To view the current edition go to superseniors.msd.govt.nz...
A business owner rescued important mail – including employment contracts and cheques – after a mailb…
A man was at home when lightning struck his house, exploding a lamp and propelling shattered glass a…
Hi neighbours. Christmas is fast approaching. Shopping centres have been decorated for a while now and we want to know if your family have put up a Christmas tree yet. What are your Christmas decorating traditions? Do you think it's still too early? Let us know in the comments! [Type … View moreHi neighbours. Christmas is fast approaching. Shopping centres have been decorated for a while now and we want to know if your family have put up a Christmas tree yet. What are your Christmas decorating traditions? Do you think it's still too early? Let us know in the comments! [Type 'NFP' if your comment is not for print.]
Chocolate brand Tresor Dore sold nationwide at The Warehouse, New World and Pak'n Save has been recalled due to undeclared peanut ingredients. The Warehouse initially recalled the Tresor Dore brand of Chocolate Seashells but has since extended the recall to include all batches of the entire … View moreChocolate brand Tresor Dore sold nationwide at The Warehouse, New World and Pak'n Save has been recalled due to undeclared peanut ingredients. The Warehouse initially recalled the Tresor Dore brand of Chocolate Seashells but has since extended the recall to include all batches of the entire range of chocolates and biscuit assortment.
Those who have an allergy or intolerance to peanuts are warned not to consume chocolates from the brand. Customers who have peanut allergies and have bought chocolate from the Tresor Dore and Tresor ranges should return the product for a refund. Read more
There is a revolutionary technique designed and created by Dr Jiro Abe from Japan. Combined with a specialised impression-taking method and decades of research has brought about changes how clinicians should fabricate lower dentures. The “shape and size, and feel, of the final product, is quite … View moreThere is a revolutionary technique designed and created by Dr Jiro Abe from Japan. Combined with a specialised impression-taking method and decades of research has brought about changes how clinicians should fabricate lower dentures. The “shape and size, and feel, of the final product, is quite extraordinary”.
Our experienced, New Zealand trained and registered clinical dental technician can perform those very techniques that everybody is talking about. And only a select few of clinicians around the country can produce such results.
Come on in or Call Now at 09-448 2289 for a free consultation and let’s get you smiling again.
X-mas special on now so enjoy 25% off new Dentures purchased in December!
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