Sinterklaas Day!

There was excitement in the air today as the children climbed out of their warm snug beds. Sinterklaas came last night and left a little something in their shoes that they left by the front door. For some reason we always do the gifts a day early. Today is the celbration, but the little gifts are not supposed to arrive until tomorrow. One of these years I'll get it right :-).

Both the Engineer and I are first generation Canadians. Our parents were all born in Holland and immigrated at as young as age four and as old as age sixteen. It seems both our families quickly embraced Canadian culture and Sinterklaas celebrations were dropped.

I have a dear friend who moved to Holland many years ago. The Engineer and I, and one nursing baby went to visit them one year during the Christmas season and that's when the idea of celebrating Sinterklaas with our little family was rekindled. Growing up, I remember how hard it was to wait until Gift day despite the fact that we always opened them early. (We NEVER opened gifts on Christmas Day as it was reserved for going to church to celebrate the birth of our Saviour and getting together with family).

We have told the children the legend of the real St. Nicholas and the reason behind the gifts, but I think maybe it is time to tell the story again. Sinterklaas is a fun little thing we do to help them with the waiting and they enjoy the treats for as long as they last -- for some, that is longer than others :-).