Sinterklaas Fever and Advent

For those who are wondering what this means.... this is a Dutch version of Santa Claus. With its own story from Spain and not at the North Pole.There are many theories or preferred versions of "Sinterklaas".He was a Bishop from Spain who came in a steamboat to the Netherlands with his little helpers. Not so little like the Elf but helpers called "Zwartepiets". A literal translation could mean "Black Peters".

Sinterklaas traditionally arrives in the Netherlands each year in mid-November (usually on a Saturday) by steamboat from Spain. Some suggest that gifts associated with him, the mandarin oranges, led to the misconception that he must have been from Spain.

It is a media frenzy when he arrives at the harbor with the entire population of the Netherlands watching him arrive on Television. This is also a family event. Some go to see him as the Sinterklaas arrives at different places.

This pre Christmas celebration continues until December 5th when it is the chief evening of celebration with gifts with hot chocolate and "pepernoten"(are a cookie-like kind of confectionery).They are light brown, randomly shaped, and made from the same ingredients as taai-taai (flour, sugar, anise, cinnamon, and clove) and is fairly chewy, though it hardens gradually when exposed to the air. Pepernoten sales are usually high and its in every house from the time he arrives in the Netherlands.

Children also keep their shoe near the door with a letter or poem for Sinterklaas and a carrot for "Amerigo", the white horse that Sinterklaas rides on.

On the television every evening at 5:40 pm , children huddle to watch the "Sinterklaas journal". Every year there is a story revolving around him. So this year, as far as I have understood, the steamboat came in only with Sinterklaas and something about his book of names for good children was missing. Most Dutch schools watch this the next morning and discussions and themes in class revolve around this. The kids are very serious about the whole affair.

This year, we decided to follow the event.Benjamin, being in a Dutch school was surrounded by the story and the activities, so I had to get involved in some way too.

So, we decided to keep the shoes near the door only on Saturday since, Sinterklaas and the Zwaarte Piets come only on Saturday to our house because they are so busy(Ya right!).In the morning, there will be treats or small gifts in their shoes. I decided only Saturday, since buying gifts and treats for everyday wasn't what I wanted to do. But some families have it everyday and sometimes really huge gifts too.

We go through the huge book on Sinterklaas with only pictures. By the way, this is a beautiful book with just pictures giving the entire story.

And then on the eve of December 5th, A laundry basket of gifts for the entire family magically appear near the door. Chocolate letters with the first letter of each of the family members name are also given as gifts.

The older kids and adults gift each other a funny "Supris"(I think thats how they spell it?)with crazy gift wrapping in different shapes and a poem attached to it...

I guess I have educated myself enough for doing Sinterklaas this year!

There is no religious sentiments attached to this and this is merely a fun event that happens in the Netherlands.

As Advent arrives, I also decided to do the Advent devotions" A Jesse tree Journey" written by Ann VosKamp over at the blog"A Holy Experience".You can download this free printable.

Each of the 25 days this journey includes Bible texts, a devotional that can be read out with the whole family, a short simple action point for the day and a small ornament to hang on your own Jesse Tree.

What is your family tradition as we celebrate and remember our Christ coming into this world to die for us and save us?