Sinterklaas has a spot at our home

Young children have just concluded celebrating Sinterklaas in the Netherlands Last Saturday, Dec 5.

This is my second Christmas in the country and I am still learning how Sinterklaas is celebrated.

Experiencing Sinterklaas is serious stuff! When I was learning the language, our teacher took the time out to give each of us Sinterklaas information.

Adults and children alike get all excited when they find out that it is a foreigner’s first time to witness the arrival of Sinterklaas. I don’t know why but every time I see children greeting him, it always brings tears to my eyes.

Children awaiting Sinterklaas' arrival. Photo by ianus

Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by boat, accompanied by his assistants, Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). He departs from Spain and arrives in the country in the middle of November to greet the children. For those towns with no access to boats, Sinterklaas arrives by horse, carriage, motorcycle, the bus or train. He is very creative and will do anything to get the gifts delivered!

Sinterklaas arrives by boot. Photo by Lodewijk B

During the weeks that follow, children place their shoes, together with carrots and hay for the horse of Sinterklaas,  in front of the fireplace or these days the door, for them to receive little tokens. This could be tiny gifts or pepernoten.

Presents from Sinterklaas! Yey! Photo by Mabel Ajjam

These are for the good children. The bad children are said to receive a bundle of sticks or a bag of salt. The worst part is that the bad kids are told that they would be carried away to Spain in Zwarte Piet’s sack!

Hey Zwarte Piet, who do you have in there? Photo by Merlijn Hoek

On December 5, Sinterklaas meets the children before he sails back to Spain. Each child gets a surprise present but first Sinterklaas recites a poem specially written for him/her.

Something delicious from Sinterklaas. Photo by ianus

And to those who would like to watch a sinterklaas movie, check out Het Paard van Sinterklaas! Winky Wong, the cutest little Chinese girl, comes over to live in the Netherlands, learns the language and its customs and traditions. Then she finds out about Sinterklaas — she knows what she wants as a present and does everything to get it!

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Simply beautiful items at Landelijke Boerderij

One of my weaknesses (or strengths) is visiting markets. I just prefer going around when the day is sunny or at least dry. It’s pretty optimistic to want to have sunny days in the Netherlands, so when the sun shines, I’m in my market visiting mood. We’ve just moved into a new home, so I am on the look out for some previously loved pieces.

I’m sure other women out there feel the same. A visit to your nearby flea market or a Dutch farmhouse can be such a treat! Tiny treasures are there — waiting for you to take them home. Just make sure that these are not purely impulse buys. Hang around and caress the items that seem to call out your name. Ask yourself if you’ll cherish them for a long while or think of someone you know who wants it. This could make a good friend or sister very happy. And while you’re there, soak in the creative atmosphere and the energy of a simpler life. Very refreshing!

In the Netherlands, there are cozy farmhouses (boerderij) that sell antiques and other great finds. Even second hand wedding dresses. It’s a different feeling entering one that just going to the website and buying something with a click of the button.

The Landelijke Boerderij sells wonderful pieces! They have an ongoing selection of items for sale online. Check out their photos! It’s worth a visit when you’re in the area — they’re open on Sunday afternoons only.

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The town of Goor, located in the Province of Overijssel in the Netherlands, celebrates its feast during the last weekend of June. This is the time of absolute merrymaking. Not only for the townspeople but also people from all over the country drop by and share in the merriment! Beer, lots of beer, is consumed during the weekend in a tent that fits around eight thousand people – more than half the town population (12,000). The weekend starts on Thursday and ends at 12 mindnight on Sunday.

Among the feasts celebrated in the country, Goor happens to land on the number 3 spot for the most coveted title – the town that drank the most beer. Hipipipip… hurray!

The highlight is the Parade on Sunday that starts at 1pm. People line the streets with their chairs to get the best view of the parade. They make sure they’ve got more beer at hand since the parade lasts about three hours!

Some of the floats are interesting with a cast of interesting participants. Every year we see tall and burly men wear amusing women’s attire. Makes me wonder what they do the rest of the year…

Check out some of the photos taken this year. Personally, it wasn’t as colorful as last year’s parade but still it gave the townsfolk time to be with family and friends. See you again next year!

2009 Goor Schoolfeest

My fave characters last year

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