Dec. 5th: Sinterklaas

Andi is lucky to be 50% Dutch living in the US, because not only does she get presents with celebrating Christmas with the American side of the family, but she also gets presents celebrating Sinterklaas, the traditional Dutch time to do presents, on December 5th (we celebrated a little early this year). My parents send us a box every year with presents. We play the CD with kids' Sinterklaas songs (to Ben's joy), and then the fun begins. As per tradition, Sinterklaas writes a poem (about the gift and person receiving it) to accompany every gift, so we read those out loud before opening the gifts.





A picture of the good old man with his black Petes. Sinterklaas comes in on a steamship from Spain, and rides his horse over peoples' roofs to drop off presents in their chimney. The black Petes hand out candies (pepernoten) to the kids as well.

Ah were we spoiled! Not only fun presents (a big sheep for Andi!), but also lots of yummy treats: pepernoten, the traditional chocolate letter (the first letter of your name in chocolate), stroopwafels, and ...Mmm, my favorite ... a honking piece of Marsepein (Marzipain). Thanks mom! :)




Andi opening one of her presents.

Reading one of my poems :)

I got party decorations!

Ben reading one of his poems with Andi.

Ben got some warm gear :)

The following are some video's (more for my mom, the official sponsor of this year's Sinterklaas)


Andi Dancing to the Sinterklaas CD - she loved it!


Some more Dancing :)

Opening the box (oh kom er eens kijken!)

Opening a present with dad....a big sheep! She loves it!