"When school children used to sing it on the night of December 5th, they would accompany it with hand motions to ask St. Nicholas to hurry with their sweets. St Nicolas, patrons des écoliers' and 'St Nicolas mon bon ami' were both sung in Belgium, at least until the late 60's. I don't know if they still are sung by schoolchildren there." - Lillian

Game Instructions

Lillian added, "There are also gestures to 'St Nicolas mon bon ami'; children used to beckon twice to the words 'Vite, vite' (Quick, quick) and flutter their hands over their hearts when they sang 'Car mon cœur palpite.' (My heart yearns) Then they would rub their hands in a circular motion over their stomachs singing 'Pour avoir des bonbons et des macarons.' (To have sweets and macaroons)."

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Lillian Polz for contributing this song. Translation: Monique Palomares and Lisa Yannucci.

Merci beaucoup!