Saint Nicholas was the prototype for Santa Claus, but when Belgium celebrated Saint Nicholas Day, no one dressed in red, carried a large sack, and drove a reindeer sleigh while playing Santa Claus. Instead, someone put on a large beard and played a cardinal in red.
Legend had it that Saint Nicholas heard of three daughters in a poor family who could not marry because they had no money for dowries. He secretly sent the family three bags of gold coins, throwing them through the window, where they happened to land in the long stockings drying before the fireplace. Thus, the world gained many children who sat by the hearth on Christmas Eve, waiting for "Santa Claus" to put presents into their stockings.
Lily had long since stopped believing in Santa Claus, perhaps because Petunia had told her that it was not Santa Claus who put gifts in their stockings, but their parents.
Georgiana received a great deal of chocolate in Saint Nicholas Town—far more than she could eat alone—so she shared some with the other members of the party, who all happily accepted it. Only then did Georgiana realize why Bonaparte wanted to turn back to celebrate Christmas. The others had families waiting for them at home. They had come out on "business," for work, and if they could return home to reunite with their families for Christmas, naturally they should head back as soon as possible.
Sugar shipped from British colonies and cocoa imported from Portuguese Congo came together to create this bittersweet delicacy. At the welcoming banquet organized by Lannes, there was even a chocolate fountain and all manner of chocolate sculptures. Not only Belgian socialites but also prominent figures from the Netherlands and Denmark gathered there. The gorgeous gown Georgiana had made finally came in handy.