Ultimate Sinterklaas Guide for Expats (and Moms) in 2023
Growing up in Korea, I was completely unfamiliar with the concept of Sinterklaas (Known as Saint Nicholas), just as Dutch people might not be aware of the Korean New Year’s Day tradition according to the Lunar calendar. I discovered this charming children’s celebration only after I started living in the Netherlands. Initially, Sinterklaas seemed like a whimsical celebration without relevance to my life. I saw it as a fun theme for parties, with an element of mystery and joy.
However, moving to a quaint neighborhood bustling with young families peeled back layers of this Dutch tradition for me. Soon, the tales of Sinterklaas, the kind-hearted figure who sails from Spain every November with his posse of helpers, the Pieten (Peters), started to resonate everywhere. Soon, I learned that I didn’t know anything about this festive and traditional day.
If you are like me, you will need a Sinterklaas guide, and don’t worry about it! Today, I will share all the tips I have learned about Sinterklaas as an expat and a mom. Here, you can find all you need to know when you prepare for your first Sinterklaas and the successful Sinterklaasavond (Sinterklaas’ Eve) on December 5!
The Story of Sinterklaas
The history of Sinterklaas dates back to a bishop from Myra, which is present-day Turkey, around 300 AD. Sinterklaas is known as the patron saint of children, and the festival that bears his name celebrates the Feast of Sinterklaas on December 6 every year. Legend has it that Sinterklaas resides in Spain and sails to the Netherlands annually, marking the start of festivities by throwing sweets to children, reminiscent of the tale where the bishop threw coins to aid an impoverished man.
The aura of Sinterklaas is further enriched by his companion, Piet, who is known as the bishop’s assistant and is traditionally depicted as a Spanish Moor or an enslaved Ethiopian. The portrayal of this character has sparked debates and controversy due to the blackface makeup that Dutch citizens have put on during festivities. Since the 2010s, the traditions surrounding the holiday of Sinterklaas have been the subject of growing editorials, debates, documentaries, protests, and even violent clashes at festivals.
To preserve the tradition of Sinterklaas while avoiding racism, we now see individuals of various races dressed up as Pieten during his appearances, including TV shows, movies, and commercial goods.
How Dutch Celebrate Sinterklaas: When the day gets shorter, the festive season begins
My daughter is always excited about summer; the idea of swimming, playing with water outside with her friends, and going on vacation. Summer has it all for her. But when the weather gets colder, she gets even more excited. When the weather finally started to get chili a week ago, I told her that autumn was here. My daughter was jumping around her room and asking when Sinterklaas would come. She was so excited that the autumn was here, and then she knew Sinterklaasavond was nearby.
You see, as autumn paints the town with shades of anticipation, the daily showcase of Sinterklaas’ journey from Spain to the Dutch shores on television (Sinterklaasjournaal), local shops brimming with themed goodies, and children’s chatter about their wishlist to Sinterklaas fills the air. Schools and daycare centers are humming with tunes dedicated to Sinterklaas, weaving a narrative of excitement that is hard to escape.
Celebrating Sinterklaas as Expats
Before Having Children
Before we moved to an outside village of Amsterdam surrounded by young families, and before we had our children, my anticipation for setting up the Christmas tree was at an all-time high as December approached. Yet, my husband, firmly rooted in the Dutch tradition, insisted we wait at least until after Sinterklaasavond on December 5. Our compromise? A Christmas tree on December 1, a subtle blend of our diverse cultures yet a slight tilt towards the Dutch tradition. If you don’t have children, you wouldn’t care a lot about this tradition; however, if you have a Dutch partner whose family has a tradition of celebrating Sinterklaasavond instead of Christmas or an international couple who wishes to celebrate both SInterklaasavond and Christmas.
The Masic of Sinterklaas for Children
The real game-changer was my daughter stepping into the school realm at the age of four. Her eyes sparkled with the magic of Sinterklaas. The school welcomed the festive spirit with open arms, allowing kids to put on Sinterklaas costumes, and the man himself, along with his Pieten, made a grand entrance to interact with the young souls.
This experience gave me a new appreciation for the tradition of Sinterklaas and my role as a mother in ensuring my daughter enjoys it. I listen closely to my children’s wishes for Sinterklaas’ gifts throughout the year. Whenever we pass a toy store, and they express interest in a particular toy, I suggest that maybe Sinterklaas will bring it for them, which satisfies their curiosity and stops them from asking further. Sometimes, I purchase the items they requested and save them for Sinterklaasavond to surprise them. The magic of Sinterklaas, who arrives in mid-November and celebrates his day on December 5 before sailing away, was woven together beautifully with the enchantment of Christmas that followed.
Celebration of Sinterklaasavond
In the Netherlands, Sinterklaasavond is the most crucial occasion for gift-giving during the winter festive season. It is also called Pakjesavond, meaning “gifts evening” or “packages evening.” On the evening of December 5, parents, family, friends, or acquaintances pretend to be Sinterklaas or Pieten and trick the children into believing that Sinterklaas has given them presents. This is often done by leaving a note explaining where the presents are hidden or having a neighbor knock on the door and leave a sack of presents outside for the children to retrieve.
Gifts are traditionally accompanied by poems from Sinterklaas, which bear a personal message for the receiver and are often humorous. The poems may tease the recipient for their well-known bad habits or other character traits. Although Sinterklaas is primarily a feast for children, adults also participate in the tradition of creating poems to poke fun at their friends and family. The poems should rhyme and be read out loud by the recipient. They are often used as a way to score points and take public revenge on fellow party-goers.
So, on Sinterklaasavond, the living room is decorated with presents, similar to Christmas Day in some other countries. On December 6, Sinterklaas departs without any fuss, and the lovely Sinterklaas celebration is over.
6 Tips on Sinterklaas Guide for Expats (and Moms)
In my first official Sinterklaas celebration, I didn’t know how important Sinterklaas was. And obviously, I didn’t know how to prepare for Sinterklaasavond. So, if you are an expat trying to learn the tradition, make your children enjoy this festive tradition. Now, get the ultimate tips I learned from my first preparation of Sinterklaasavond!
1. Watch Sinterklaasjournal
My daughter’s school watched Sinterklaasjounaal in her class. It is on air every day at 6 pm, and her friends already watched it at home and then rewatched it at school. So they know what is happening already. Well, thanks to my Dutch husband, we put it on every evening so my daughter wouldn’t miss out and get excited about Sinterklaas’ journey from Spain to the Netherlands. Haven’t seen the show yet? You’ve got to check out the first episode of 2023’s Sinterklaasjournaal (You can click here to watch it).
2. Welcome Sinterklaas on his arrival
Sinterklaas usually arrives in mid-November; in 2023, he is expected to arrive on November 18. He arrives on a Saturday, at least three weeks before Sinterklaasavond, which gives you plenty of time to buy presents. Usually, the cities organize Sinterklaas’ arrival through the river in the town. You can go and watch him arrive on his steamboat with Pieten.
Sinterklaas would wave to children, and sometimes Pieten would come on the shore, dancing and sharing Pepernoten (mini ginger biscuits), taai taai (chewy aniseed biscuits), and schuimpjes (sugar and artificial colorings). Going to the riverside in your city on his arrival date. Many parents with well-costumed children will be waving to Sinterklaas at the arrival parade. You can also dress up your children, and they will enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Extra tip one. National arrival of Sinterklaas (De landelijk intocht)
This year, the national arrival of Sinterklaas (De landelijke intocht) will take place in Gorinchem, on Saturday, November 18th. If you have time, go and see the big and festive parade! If you want to find information about when he arrives in your city, you can check your city by clicking here (Dutch events website) to get a full overview of his arrival in each city!
Extra tip two. De Stoomboot (Sinterklaas’s Steamboat)
Did you know that you can experience an exciting adventure on Sinterklaas’s Steamboat? Yes, you heard it right! Last year, I went on this adventure with my daughter and it was an absolute hit! You get to see the hardworking Pieten on the boat, observe how they operate, meet Sinterklaas himself, and even visit his office! My daughter was thrilled beyond measure and we had an amazing time. If you’re interested in this fantastic adventure, click here to get all the information you need.
3. Night Routine of Children between Sinterklaas’ arrival and Sinterklaasavond
Between Sinterklaas’ arrival in mid-November and Sinterklaasavond, Sinterklaas visits schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. He is said to ride his white-grey horse over the rooftops at night, delivering gifts through the chimney to the well-behaved children. Traditionally, naughty children risked being caught by Piet, who carried a jute bag and willow cane for that purpose.
Before going to bed, children each leave a single shoe next to the fireplace chimney or door. They leave the shoe with a carrot in it and a bowl of water nearby for Sinterklaas’ horse. They find candy or a small present in their shoes the next day.
You don’t have to do it every day, but every 3 days or twice a week would make your children so happy. Your children will share this small celebration and story with their friends and be even more excited about Sinterklaasavond!
4. Get Your Child Piet’s Costume
It was my daughter’s first year of school, and I received a message from the school saying that the children could dress up in Piet’s costume the next day at school. It was short notice, and I didn’t realize that I was supposed to have a costume for my daughter already. I tried to buy one from local shops like Hema, Action, Xenos, and Albert Hein, but they were all sold out. I worried my daughter would be the only one without a costume. Fortunately, my next-door neighbor with three children had a spare costume, and we saved the day.
Sinterklaas and Piet’s costumes sell very quickly; they are available in local shops as early as mid-October. If you wait until December to buy one, you will unlikely find any in stock. So, getting your hands on them as soon as you see them is best. Your children will be thrilled to have one!
5. Buy Small Gifts Throughout the Year
As I mentioned earlier, children often ask to buy certain toys or goods. In response, we tell them that Sinterklaas may buy those items for them. On Sinterklaasavond, the children receive many small gifts, including the ones they had mentioned throughout the year. We remind them, “I told you that Sinterklaas may get you this,” and the children become happier than ever, knowing that Sinterklaas actually heard their wishes.
Additionally, around October, children receive a toy brochure from local shops, or they can grab one from shops for free. The brochure helps children search for the toys they wish to receive from Sinterklaas. Children go through the brochure, select a few toys they wish to receive, and write a cute letter to Sinterklaas asking for them. It is a lovely tradition that makes them more engaged, and look forward to Sinterklaasavond!
6. How to Celebrate Sinterklaasavond with Adult Family Members
Last year, I decided to do something different and surprise my Dutch family members for Sinterklaas. We came across a company that creates customized Sinterklaas videos (you can watch their example videos). These videos allow you to include the name and some information about the person. Then, they will generate funny comments about specific behaviors. For example, if you mention that your mom has exceptional organizing skills, Sinterklaas will humorously compliment her on her skills. On the other hand, if you mention that your dad has a smoking habit, Sinterklaas will gently ask him to quit smoking humorously. You can try different scenarios and choose from Sinterklaas’s various responses.
When we played the video for my parents-in-law, they were completely caught off guard when Sinterklaas called out their names. Seeing them break into laughter was fantastic, and we had a lovely evening together. If you haven’t tried this before, I highly recommend arranging a customized Sinterklaas video for a fun and memorable Sinterklaasavond! Also, if you are looking for more tips on celebrating Sinterklaas like Dutch people, click here to get all the tips you need to know.
Sinterklaas Guide for Expats: What to Expect When You Are Expecting?
Sinterklaas is a beloved tradition in the Netherlands that brings the community together. Despite the name “cold season,” the cold season warms up with excitement and love for the holiday, seamlessly flowing into the Christmas cheer. For those experiencing it for the first time, it’s a delightful spectacle that transcends generations. My heart warms up even more to these traditions as my children grow older. While discussions about Piet’s identity are essential, the essence of joy and community bonding that Sinterklaas brings is truly endearing.
If you have a child, you will appreciate this adorable, heartwarming tradition even more.
As an expat in the Netherlands, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about this outstanding Dutch tradition.
The fact that the Dutch hold onto it so dearly while being such an international community is truly unique. I guarantee that the more you learn about it, the more you will love the Netherlands! If you want to get more tips on expat life in the Netherlands, click here to read more!
