At the cinema, Saint Nicholas had arranged to meet the children of RTL staff so he could present their gifts in person. He told them that nothing made him happier than seeing their delighted faces, and their parents were just as moved when they watched their children light up with excitement.
He had truly thought of everything to make the morning special: there were craft tables where children could make sweet skewers, get their faces painted, write letters to him, and, of course, explore a large corner filled with presents
After all the gifts were handed out and the family photos taken, the group headed into a screening room where the audience enjoyed a short show.
From the cinema he continued to Rollingen for the visit to the Integrated Senior Care Centre (CIPA) Blannenheem, a care home for blind and visually impaired residents run by the Fondation Lëtzebuerger Blannevereenegung (FLB). Saint Nicholas not only visits well-behaved children, but well-behaved adults too. Along with his helper, the Houseker, he brought little Ramazotti, a miniature Shetland pony who assisted in handing out treats. Residents of the CIPA Blannenheem were thrilled.
Ramazotti is eight years old and is affectionately known as Zotti by most people. One of his special traits is that his coat changes colour with the seasons: brown in winter, white in summer.
The idea for these visits came from the pony’s owners, who approached the Rollingen CIPA and offered to come by once a month at their own expense to bring joy to the residents, explained CIPA director, Carole Theisen.
Ramazotti has also visited children at the nature crèche of the FLB. His owners would be delighted to one day visit young patients at the Children’s Hospital as well, to bring them happiness and a smile, just as they managed to do here.
