The nice thing about living in an ex-pat community is that you often get to celebrate extra holidays from around the world.  Last weekend we got to join in with our Dutch co-workers in their celebration of Sinterklaas!

Click here for a run-down on what Sinterklaas is all about! 

Although there are some obvious similarities between Sinterklaas and our American derivative , Santa Claus (evidently we borrowed from them), there were also enough differences to make it very interesting for us Yankees.  Black Peter, for example, Sinterklaas’ mischievous side-kick and present-distributor was an intriguing character.

The whole process of present-giving also takes on whole new forms.  The presents are often wrapped in elaborate, hand-made fashion.  A "teasing" or "poking good-natured fun at" type of poem is usually written about the receiver of the gift (which must be read aloud by that person) and sometimes the present is actually hidden or a task must be completed before the present can be opened.  It keeps you on your toes and keeps everyone laughing.  The presents are also given in secret and are all attributed to Sinterklaas. You have to say, "Thank-you, Sinter-klaas!" after you open yours.

Here’s an example of a Sinterklaas present:  Christa’s present was wrapped with a nice paper-mache rat head on top (as seen here) and included a "morality" tale about the impact of killing rodents on the whole farm community…very appropriate!  (Her gift was a nice vase by the way.) 

If you ever have an opportunity to take part in Sinterklaas with some friends from the Netherlands, Belgium, or somewhere else, just do it! It’s quite enjoyable.  But be prepared to get ripped on a little bit. 

Here’s the photo album from our Sinterklaas party.