In the Netherlands, the most important day for children in the holiday season is December 5th. It’s the day that Sinterklaas brings them gifts. Instead of cookies for Santa , the children leave carrots for Sinterklass’s horse. How does Sinterklaas get to The Netherlands? By steamboat of course! There is even a children’s song called “Here Comes the Steam Boat”. It’s thought to be because St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and also The Netherlands has a long rich sailing history. Where does Sinterklaas come from on his steam ship? Why Spain of course! Sinterklaas lives in Spain. Can’t blame him for preferring a warmer climate. I’ve been to Amsterdam in December and I would prefer Spain as well. The origins of his homeland is actually thought to be because The Netherlands and Spain were active trading partners and most of the exotic food and goods at the time would have probably been from Spain. At least they didn’t adopt the poop log tradition as well.
Sinterklaas is the Dutch name for St Nicholas, the patron saint of children. The feast of St. Nicholas is December 6th. Sinterklaas arrives the night before to bring gifts. Traditionally , children leave their shoes out and Sinterklaas places a small gift or sweet treat in them. Today it is also an evening for gift giving. While the feast of St Nicholas has been celebrated for centuries the modern , secular version of Sinterklass began in the 1800’s and became really popular starting on the 1930’s. Sinterklaas is considered the basis ( or one of ) Santa Claus.
