’tis the season – this time in Dutch

As I pointed out in my last post, ’tis the season. But since we’re a household with roots in two countries, we have to observe traditions from both. (The kids are not complaining, as it means they’re getting even more presents…)

For the Dutch, Christmas is more a celebration of family and friends, with good food and company. However, the date that the children look forward to is Sinterklaas.

While this year we did not go the the sinterklaas feest at the local Dutch club, the kids had a celebration at their Dutch lesson. A few weeks ago they drew lots to see whom they would give a gift to and have been preparing since then.

You see the actual gifts are only half the story. The wrapping is at least as important, as is the poem that describes the receiver of the present.

Armed with these works of art, the kids headed out to Dutch school on Saturday. They were not the only ones heavily laden with elaborate presents.

It is great to see that even though we are at the other end of the world, running around in shorts and flip-flops, some traditions survive the trip. Home is where the heart is.

PS: And tonight we’ll get a visit from Sint. The sack is already packed…