Tradition is, at its core, a shared practice passed from one generation to the next—rooted in culture, history, and the stories of the people who came before us. It’s the quiet thread that connects families, communities, and entire nations. And for those of us who’ve lived and traveled across different countries, it becomes even clearer just how beautifully diverse these traditions can be.

Every place we’ve called home—France, Mexico, the Netherlands—has gifted us new customs, flavors, symbols, and celebrations. And with each one, we learn a little more about the people of the land: what they cherish, what shaped them, and what they hope to pass on.

Now that we are living in the Netherlands, November arrives (and is here!) with its own unique atmosphere: colder air, bicycles layered with morning frost, warm lights glowing behind windows… and one of the most beloved Dutch traditions of all — Sinterklaas.

The Story Behind Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas is not the Dutch version of Santa Claus — though the two share long-lost family resemblance. The story actually runs deep, stretching back centuries.

The tradition is rooted in Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (present-day Türkiye), famous for his generosity toward children and people in need. Over time, this story traveled across Europe, mixing with local customs until it transformed into the Sinterklaas celebrated today.

He arrives in mid-November on a steamboat from Spain — a detail that often makes newcomers smile — accompanied by helpers, music, and festive energy. Dutch cities welcome him with parades, children wave little flags, and the excitement builds throughout the final weeks leading to December 5th, known as pakjesavond or “gift evening.”

The meaning behind Sinterklaas goes far beyond presents. At its heart, it’s about:

• Generosity — small gifts placed in shoes, often with thoughtful poems.

• Imagination — children listening for footsteps on rooftops.

• Togetherness — families gathering to eat pepernoten and laugh over rhymed messages.

• Ancestry — a celebration that carries centuries of European, Christian, and local Dutch influences.

Traditions evolve, of course — and Sinterklaas is no exception. What we see today is the result of many generations reshaping it, keeping the essence while adapting the details.

Embracing a Tradition That Isn’t Our Own

For families like ours, who carry French, Mexican, and multicultural roots, experiencing Sinterklaas is both fascinating and heartwarming. It reminds us that traditions don’t belong exclusively to one group. They open their doors to anyone willing to participate with respect, curiosity, and joy.

We watch our children discover these rituals with wide eyes. We taste the seasonal treats. We join the parades. And slowly, this Dutch celebration becomes part of our own story — another thread woven into our family’s growing tapestry of traditions.

Because that’s the beauty of tradition: it’s not static. It grows with us.
It expands every time a new family embraces it.
It becomes living history.

Updated on Nov 22, 2025