Sinterklaas Day, or Santa Claus Day, is a Dutch holiday that I grew up with in the Netherlands. Celebrated on the evening of December 5, this night commemorates the arrival of Sinterklaas - a Saint - arriving by boat from Spain. Riding a white horse, Sinterklaas and his helpers distribute candy and small presents to all the children that made the “nice list.” If you weren’t so good... well, you would get coal in your shoe (Dutch children leave their shoes out instead of stockings!)
The music, the food, the holiday anticipation are all things that I remember and still celebrate with my family today.
There are so many wonderful and different holidays during the winter from around the world. Some are religious, some are just their own version of Santa Claus, and sometimes it has to do with culture. While some of these holidays share elements (bad behavior = coal, for example,) all these holidays have their own special treats and celebrations.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Yule, or any other holiday we’d love to hear about your traditions and celebrations. You can also check out these books from the list below and learn about a new tradition today- and if you feel like it, add it to your holiday celebrations! Tot ziens and vrolijk kerstfeest!
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