Sinter Klaus Eve/Day

Sinter Klaus...do you remember in elementary school when you put your shoes outside the classroom door and at the end of the day you had candy in them...that was Sinter Klaus.

Sinter Klaus (I hope I get this right): A young man named Nicolas lived in Myra (modern-day Turkey). He was raised as a Christian. His parents died when he was a teen leaving him great wealth. Shortly after his parents death he was appointed to be a Bishop. He personally felt the need to make sure the needs of his parish were met; of course he disguised himself when he would visit the homes of the needy. Italian sailors took the story and teachings of Saint Nicholas back to their lands. Eventually it moved into Germany and then Holland. The Dutch are credited with bringing the ancient bishop to the New World.

Of course now it is even better...Sinter Klaus travels with his horse (I can't think of his name...sorry) and Zwarte Piet (or "Black Peter"). On the evening of December 5th you put out your wooden shoes and hope that you are visited by Sinter Klaus. If you have been good you will wake up to traditional gifts such as the initial of your name in chocolate, other Dutch goodies, and some small gifts...(I think). However, if you have not been good you will be visited by Zwarte Piet who will find you in your bed and swat you with a stick...if you have been really bad he will take you to Spain and make cookies out of you...

Ben and I were pretty hopeful that we would get treats and not be hauled off to Spain...I have always wanted to visit but not that way...



Oh, you leave carrots in the shoes for the Sinter Klaus' horse...they need fuel. By the way, those are carrots from our garden!

Sinter Klaus treated us well.

I loved being able to celebrate this fun tradition with Ben. We are excited to have our kids learn about their heritage too.