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The Dutch have a tradition of celebrating Sinterklaas. Similar to
Santa Claus, Sinterklaas comes from Spain with his helpers
Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters). He arrives in the middle of
November by boat. After handing out candy to the children he begins a
period of assessment where he figures out if the children have been
naughty or nice. On the 5th of December Sinterklaas visits the
houses of all the children and gives them presents (or a lump of coal
if they have not behaved) The children have prepared for this by
putting their shoes by the chimney with straw and a carrot in them for
his horse. Traditionally the present come with a poem about the
person. On the 6th of December (also his birthday) Sinterklaas
returns back to Spain.
Not wanting to break with Dutch tradition we had a Sinterklaas party
of our own. We exchanged gifts (with poems of course) and had a fun
time.
(Click the picture to get full size version) |
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Dieter, Liz, Paul and Sandra |
Nan, Maria, Dieter and Liz |
The Christmas elves: Anna and Iwona |
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What no more presents? |
Oh wait - I found one more.... |
Cleanup time |