Sinterklaas

In line with Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas arrived with his black assistants (zwarte Pieten) from Spain mid November by steamboat to deliver little presents to children who set their shoes (with some food for the horse that Sinterklaas rides over the roofs of all houses) at the fireplace and who sang Sinterklaas songs before they went to sleep. Assisted by her parents Nina did all of this yesterday evening and this morning she found her efforts rewarded....On December 5th Sinterklaas celebrates his birthday and this will also be the 'grand finale' with lots of presents. Last year Nina and Anita were at the Dutch club in Chicago where Sinterklaas and his (politically correct) rainbow colored assistants delivered presents to the Dutch children. Back then Sinterklaas was way too frightening. Let's see how this year goes....