Sinterklaas Day

The Dutch celebrate a holiday called Sinterklaas Day on 12/05. This holiday has nothing to do with Christmas, even though Sinterklaas resembles a skinny Santa. When asking Dutchmen the story behind the holiday, you will find many variations of the holiday origin and answers like, "Because thats the way it is". Here is how I understand it.

Sinterklaas lives in Spain. Why? Well, this is where you begin to receive creative answers... But then again, who wouldnt wan to live in warm beautiful Spain?! During the year, Sinterklaas and his helper, Black Pete record the behaviour of the children and prepare the presents. During the first weeks of November (when the festivities begin), Sinterklaas gets on his big white horse, bringing along his black Pete's and boards a steamship to the Netherlands. So mid November, each city has their "arrival of Sinterklaas". There are parades and many big celebrations as you wave to Sinterklaas travelling through the canals of Holland. Once he has arrived, children begin to put their shoes out at night leaving water and food for Sinterklaas and his horse. In return, they receive chocolate letters (of their initials), kruidnoten (gingerbread candies), and other typical Sinterklaas candies. Since it was my First Sinterklaas Day, he was kind enough to allow a 25 year old participate. I received a Chocolate JP, chocolate Euros, kruidnoten, and Burberry perfume (not standard, but Ill take it!)

The official Holiday celebration is on December 5th. This is the day before Sinterklaas' birthday. They celebrate it a day before; why- well they just do. Each family has their own traditions. One of the popular traditions is to play a version of the "white elephant" game. Wietse's mother hosted a wonderful Sinterklaas party with delicious food, games, treats, and presents. It was great fun! I went home with 0 presents from the game, but Wietse (partner-in-crime) took more than 50%. As well, Sinterklaas sent me my very own Sinterklaas songbook. I must practice before next year.

The holiday sounds very familiar to our Santa Claus traditions. However, it was the Dutch settlers who brought St. Nicholas over to New Amsterdam (New York). Its funny how traditions and stories evolve over time, all over the world!