Our family is a member of NAAM (Netherlands-America Association of Minnesota) and they hosted a "Sinterklaas" party yesterday. Sinterklaas is basically the Dutch Santa Claus. Sinterklaas ( in English, St. Nicholas) was a bishop from aroundthe 13th century who was believed to be born on December 5th. He was famous for his kindness to children. There are many legends of how he gave money and help to those in need. He loved to give gifts to poor children.So, on the 5th of December, which is St. Nicholas Day, the Dutch celebrate this man. They call him Sinterklaas and he comes with his helper "Zwarte Piet". (Black Pete) Our American Santa was originally this Saint. The Dutch Settlers in New York (once New Amsterdam) brought the Sinterklaas tradition to America with them. Just one more thing to thank the Dutch for!;-) By the way--- in the Netherlands, Christmas is a religious holiday and "Sinterklaasdag" is a day for kids to have fun, eat treats and get a gift from the Sint. Christmas has nothing to do with St. Nicholas there.
