Sir, – I would like to put Donald Clarke's mind to rest ("Why would anyone think blacking up is a suitable way to mark Christmas?", Opinion, November 2nd) by informing him that the Zwarte Pieten (they usually come in a gaggle) have nothing to do with Christmas. They are the little helpers of St Nicholas, patron saint of children, whose birthday falls on December 5th.
The Dutch do not believe in Santa Claus. The Dutch Christmas period runs from about December 15th to 27th. Short. Such bliss!
From an ex-Zwarte Piet. – Yours, etc,
TANYA TOUWEN,
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Glasthule Buildings,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.