Sinterklaas

Every year there is the same debate; how can Santa possibly deliver all those toys to all those houses in one night? Most people say "that's impossible! Blah blah laws of physics this, and science that." Well, the answer is quite simple: He doesn't deliver them to every country on the same night.

Here in the Netherlands, Santa (or Sinterklaas as he is called) arrived two weeks ago, via steamboat in northern Holland, and has worked his way around the country since. Tonight, on the eve of his birthday (Dec. 6th) he will visit all the boys and girls of the Netherlands, and fill their shoes with Candies or perhaps leave a cadeautje (small present).

There is a bit of controversy about his helpers that he brings when he comes to the Netherlands. I imagine that since his elves are busy preparing for Christmas in few weeks, (when he'll visit the US, UK, Germany, Russia and Scandinavian countries); he instead brings "Zwarte Piet."

Now Zwarte Piet used to be an Ethiopian slave, until Sinterklaas bought him his freedom, so now Piet is pumped, and has agreed to help Sinterklaas every year here in The Netherlands (and neighboring countries, Belgium and Luxemburg). If a child is bad, rather than coal, piet puts the kid in a burlap sack and brings them to Spain (and you think you had it rough with coal...). The controversy is that according to Dutch tradition, Zwart piet is black skinned, "as a symbol of the demon that has to perform good deeds." So those here who dress up in tribute to zwarte piet...well, the photos speak for themselves.

But I'm assured by many that there is nothing racist about it........

Anyhow, as far and Michelle and I are concerned, we'll probably save our presents for Christmas as usual (Santa has a knack for finding us Americans on Christmas day, even if we live abroad). But we'll still celebrate tomorrow night with a sinterklaas party down by the train station.

And for those of you Santa doubters out there, remember two things; first, he doesn't do all his work around the world on Christmas Eve... he breaks it up so it's more manageable. And second, he doesn't have to visit everyone's house in the world... just those who still believe in him ;)

Prettige verjaardag van Sinterklaas!