I grew up with the notion of Black Peter (that was actually my granfather's nickname aka Black Pete) and I can tell you he was no laughing matter. We were as good as gold during the holiday season because we did not want to get coal in our stockings. Worse yet, if you were small enough, he might even put you in Santa's bag after it was empty and take you away.

Sounds scary but I now see Black Peter as a balance to St. Nick.

Nowadays its all Santa and the kids are so hyped, its all over the top. Seems to me that Black Peter kinda kept it all a little more in check. By the way - our St. Nick wore blue velvet.

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