Sinterklaas Day Dec. 5/6
How should I explain this holiday? The Dutch people celebrate the giving nature of a character patterned after St. Nicholas. Sinterklaas and his helper Zwarte Piet arrive in the Netherlands sometime in November on a boat from Spain. Sinterklaas then travels around the countryside checking on the little children. If they have been bad, Zwarte Piet will capture them and take them to the coal mines. If they have been good, they will receive presents. All children are supposed to lay their shoes by the fireplace so Sinterklaas can fill them with goodies; chocolate letters, paper notes (I couldn't figure out what this is but its like a cookie) and oranges or clementines.
The picture are of a Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet in a chocolate store and other representations. SK always wears a tall bishops hat and ZP always is a Dutchman in black face. It seems so politically incorrect, but the Dutch are far from giving up their tradition! Pictures of the two of them are everywhere. We even saw a poorly dressed reprentation walk down our street! Where is the camera when you need it! They are on TV everyday so kids can follow their journey and escapades. If you want to see the TV show, watch this YouTube video.
And here is the Wikipedia version of Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet
All the new traditions are fun. Imagine Christmas shopping only Monday - Saturday. Absolutely no stores stay open on Sunday, even during the Christmas season. There are no "1 Day Sales " at Macy's and no "Extended Hours" at any store. Good or bad, that's the way it is. Our tree is up and we're getting in the holiday spirit. If I can convince the homebodies in the family to venture out on a quiet Sunday, we may drive to Germany to see a Christmas Market tomorrow.
I love your new picture!!
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