The Christmas Pact between Saint Nicholas and the bogeyman – Exclusive story by BeeBoo, the childcare specialist

In the hectic atmosphere of the festive season, BeeBoo, renowned for its childcare services in Geneva and Vaud, offers its valued professionals – caring nannies, dedicated babysitters and passionate entertainers – a sweet Christmas tale imagined by Mademoiselle De, our favourite editor.

Immerse yourself in this heartwarming tale that will spark your imagination and delight all the children of the BeeBoo tribe.

The Christmas pact between Saint Nicholas and the bogeyman

Once upon a time, in a magical kingdom that was all too well hidden, there lived two characters well known to children: Saint Nicholas, the generous benefactor, and the bogeyman, whose job it was to warn little rascals. But what no one knew was that, outside the Christmas season, these two were like brothers: they played tricks on each other, they argued, but they were always inseparable!

Saint Nicholas and the bogeyman in friendly discussion, Christmas watercolour — Saint Nicholas and the bogeyman, reunited in a scene of brotherhood, despite their different roles during Christmas.

Summer pranks

No sooner had spring arrived than Saint Nicholas and the bogeyman began their eternally amusing quarrels. One day Saint Nicholas planted a field of daisies, which he tended carefully, but the next day he discovered that all the flowers had turned black. The Bogeyman, with a mischievous smile, had spent the night painting them as if they were cursed.

A field of black daisies painted by the bogeyman — Les marguerites noires (Black Daisies), a mischievous prank played by the bogeyman who surprises Saint Nicholas.

Instead of getting angry, Saint Nicholas decided to take revenge: he threw some magic sleeping powder into the fire while Fouettard slept. During the night, his big grey beard turned into a big pink candyfloss. The next day, all the goblins burst out laughing when they saw Fouettard with his sweet pink beard.

The bogeyman with pink candyfloss, humorous watercolour — The bogeyman and his pink candyfloss, a moment of laughter in the Christmas tale.

The Christmas pact

But each year, as Christmas approached, they were bound by an essential pact: a total truce for the entire festive period. Saint Nicholas had to put away the presents and bring joy, while the bogeyman had the difficult task of reminding disobedient children that their actions had consequences.

One day, Père Fouettard complained to his companion:

– Why should we stop playing tricks at Christmas? It’s the perfect time for pranks!

– Because Christmas is a holy time,” Saint Nicholas replied with a smile. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we need to be serious and attentive!

– And why am I always the one who has to scold the children?’ asked the bogeyman.

– I understand that you’d rather be less strict and collect smiles, but your role is important… Children must learn to learn from their mistakes,” St Nicholas assured him.

Père Fouettard shook his head, a little sad to give up his pranks, but also disappointed to keep the bad part.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Saint Nicholas and Father Fouettard set off in their magic sleigh. While Saint Nicholas placed presents in the shoes of the good children, Father Christmas carried out his mission. For those who had been a little too boisterous during the year, he left a lump of coal to remind them that they had not been good enough and that they could do better.

The big surprise

But that year, after they had finished their rounds, Father Fouettard noticed something strange: his big sack, now empty, was emitting an unusual odour. Curious, he turned to Saint Nicholas and asked him if he knew what was going on.

– Oh, nothing very important,” replied Saint Nicholas, trying to hide a mischievous smile.

Suspicious, Père Fouettard searched his bag for clues. Then he noticed that the pieces of coal had been replaced by packets of… dark chocolate! He burst out laughing at this discovery!

– You seemed more morose than usual at the thought of having to reprimand the children this year… And since you like jokes too, I thought you’d enjoy this one,’ Saint Nicholas explained, laughing.

dark chocolate discovered by the bogeyman, watercolour — Dark chocolate replaces the traditional charcoal, with a sweet St Nicholas filling.

The two friends laughed, and so began a new season of pranks and laughter!

BeeBoo, the childcare recruitment experts, is delighted to offer all children in the canton of Geneva and Vaud the chance to read this Christmas story!

On the BeeBoo blog, discover other unpublished tales offered by BeeBoo to its community of childcare professionals and parents, as well as the little poetic treasures of our editor Mademoiselle De!

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