So what in the world is Sinterklaas?
In mid-November, the arrival of Sinterklaas and his helper Zwarte Piet to the Dutch shores is broadcast across the Netherlands. In his full bishop attire, and astride his beautiful white horse, Sinterklaas is welcomed by the mayor of a different village each year. For the next few weeks, he travels around the country, leaving small gifts and treats in the children’s wooden shoes.
On the eve of December 5th, or the morning of December 6, families gather to exchange gifts, some of which come in surprise packaging or with riddles or poems.
For our family, living in the Midwest, we begin our celebrations on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with a visit to Pella, Iowa’s Sinterklaas celebration. On this morning, Sinterklaas arrives in town during the annual parade and greets the visitors at the Tulip Toren. From the Tulip Toren, we gather at a local restaurant to share breakfast with Sinterklaas and then head to the opera house where all the kids gather on stage and lisen to Sinterklaas as he reads from his big book. The book contains short paragraphs about each child that parents previously sent in.
That evening, and for the next 7 nights, our children receive small treats in their wooden shoes. These treats range from king size candy bars and chocolate coins to nail polish and Lego mini-figures.
The last night, the Saturday following Pella, we gather with the extended family and wait for Sinterklaas’ arrival. We sing his welcoming song and Zwarte Piet throws pepernoten (licorce flavored cookies) through the windows to distract the kids. Really, the adults just stuff their pockets and stand by the windows and throw when kids aren’t looking.
Once the kids are thoroughly distracted, one of us sneaks out of the house with the giant bag of gifts, knocks on the door or rings the doorbell, and runs. The rest of the night is opening gifts of chocolate letters and board games.
What traditions do you celebrate that are part of your family’s heritage? Please share.
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9 Responses to Celebrating Sinterklaas
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My name is Jacki and I am a divorced, Pagan mom trying to raise a son in a blended interfaith family. At The Raven's Spell you will find musings on motherhood, spirituality, divorce, and the blending of families. If you enjoy what you read, please be sure to find a way to follow.
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I love those shoes!!
We get the kids new shoes every other year or so. Now Matthew has Iowa Hawkeye decorated shows and Gabby’s are silver. Of course, I also now have my very own purple ones.
I think Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet sound like way more fun than Santa Claus. Don’t think my hubby would be willing to switch, though!!
Broot recently posted..I need home for a rest
Trust me, staying up late for 7 nights in a row just fill the shoes, is a little more than this mom can handle. By the second night I am begging for the holiday to be over
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My mom was born in Holland but we never did anything with Sinterklass. Thank you. I found that really interesting.
Happy SITS day.
LisaDay
LisaDay recently posted..Christmas Wish list
I am glad you enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by.
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
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So neat! What a fun tradition
Charlotte recently posted..The good news is we could live through a snowstorm together
That was an unexpected heart warmer for this Dutch girl in the Midwest. There is some St. Nick going on here, but not too much. I have never seen a pepernoot in the Northwoods! By the way, what gives pepernoten their distinctive taste is a blend of spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, mace, and pepper), but no licorice.
Happy SITS Day! Enjoy the comment love today, Jacki.
Hanneke
The Dutch Girl recently posted..Dear Santa
Oh, I know all about those spices. One year we were not able to track down any pre-made pepernoot, so I made my own. They were horrid! Well, even more horrible than the store bought ones, which is saying quite a bit. That anise is just not my spice.
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