Sinterklaas Feest (St. Nicholas Party)

Yesterday the kids enjoyed participating in a fun "Sinterklaas" party. Our family is a member of NAAM (Netherlands-America Association of Minnesota) and they are the ones who hosted the event. Berend, Bronwen and Maclaren had a good time, and were happy to see some of their friends from Dutch School. For those of you not familiar with Dutch culture, "Sinterklaas" (or St. Nicholas as us Americans say) is sort of like a Dutch Santa. In fact, the Dutch settlers in New York ( back when it was New Amsterdam) brought Sinterklaas here, and he was Americanized into Santa Claus. Somehow over the years, he was combined with Christmas. St. Nicholas Day is December 5th. St. Nicholas was a bishop from the 13th century (or possibly earlier) who was known for his kindness to children. He was famous for giving money and gifts to children, especially the poor. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas and Christmas are completely different things. Sinterklaas is the "fun" holiday for the kids with presents and treats, and Christmas is a religious holiday. In the photos you see Bear talking with "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete---the Sint's helper); Bronwen was a little nervous around Sinterklaas as you can see; The Bouwman kids pose for a picture with the Sint and his helpers ( except Shirley Kathryn, she was sleeping through all the excitement!); the kids flock around Sinterklaas and Piet. (If you look closely you can see Bronwen and Berend on the right.) So---put out your shoe with a carrot on the night of December 4th, and you never know.....