Here comes the steamboat

Today it's Sinterklaas in Holland, which is a local folklore foreigners will probably not know. Think of it as a Dutch version of Sanata Claus, except Sinterklaas is more fun, less commercial, and celebrated on Dec. 5. Late November Sinterklaas arrives in Holland by means of a steamboat, traditionally on a large scale in some city for the televized event, and then on a somewhat more intimate scale in every city in the country. From that point on, there are festivities leading to the big night on dec. 5.

Of course, all of this is mainly intended for children, but I guess I can talk for a lot of Dutchies when I say I still get nostalic from the whole thing, and I really like it all. Traditionally Sinterklaas comes to visit my office every year, so I had a chance to go on a photo with him. Of course I know it's just someone who's dressed up, but I guess it's like Disneyland: you know it's just a person in a big mouse-costume, but at that moment you could swear it's the real Mickey.

Seeing I don't have any children or little brothers or sisters, I won't be celebrating it tonight, but the fun upfront was good enough for me! Santa Clause eat your heart out!