Sinterklaas

Sinterklass is a Dutch tradition that is also popular in other areas in Europe, especially those with a Germanic background.  One young mother from the Netherlands whose husband is from the United States recreates this tradition in her Santaquin, Utah home with her children.  Generally on December 5, Sinterklaas and his horse and his servant Zwarte Piet visit homes during the evening leaving behind some gifts for the children in their shoes.  The children leave carrots and water for the horse and a cup of milk for Sinterklaas.

The next morning the children are surprised with traditional treats as well as a present or two.  In this picture the little girl is interested in the food, while her brother can hardly wait to open the presents.

The Wilson Folklore Archive contains accounts of Sinterklaas and the shoes–although not everyone is lucky enough to have wooden shoes.  Sometimes it is a family tradition and other times it is a tradition picked up while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Find more information at  Customs 8.1.8.4.1 to 8.12.1.8.6.3.