In the Belsnickel’s world, Christmas shouldn’t be so enjoyable for the naughty kids. He comes at night, dressed in dirty furs, face blackened with charcoal. He has one purpose: To get the children to behave until Christmas. Santa might quietly sneak down the chimney, but that’s not Der Belsnickel’s style. Belsnickel raps on windows; he loudly jingles bells; he hurls accusations of misdeeds at children…
Source: Belsnickel: A slightly terrifying Pa. Dutch tradition
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Christmastime in the Land ...
Yes! Kick Santa to the curb and turn Belsknickel loose upon the land.
For more 'Ask A PA Dutchman' episodes and Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch language videos check out Doulgas Madenford's YouTube channel.
* I'm still in the process of formatting the Deitsch version. Scroll down for English version.
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→ ‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’.
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