HOLLAND
For most children in Holland, the most important day in the Christmas Celebration is 6th December, St. Nicholas’ day. St. Nicholas is called ‘Sinter Klass’ in Holland.
On St. Nicholas Eve, children leave clogs or shoes out to be filled with presents.
Sinter Klass parties are often held on St. Nicholas Eve, where treasure hunt games are played with poems and riddles giving the clues. Children follow the clues to find little presents left by Sinter Klass. Special biscuits and sweets are also eaten at the party.
Surprise presents are also given at St. Nicholas Day.
Christmas Day itself is a much quieter day in Holland, with a Church Service and family meal. Sometimes there is a special Christmas Day ‘Sunday School’ in the afternoon at the church, where the Christmas Story and other traditional stories are told.