Saint Nicholas

The story of St. Nicholas.. Nicholas was born in Turkey around 271AD His parents died when he was young He wanted to spend his money helping others He helped a family by secretly giving them gold

The story of St. Nicholas.. Nicholas became a priest and then a bishop He became famous because sailors told stories about him as they travelled around the world Over 30 countries celebrate his day on 6th December In the Netherlands everyone celebrates Sinterklaas by having parties and eating special food.

Nicholas and the poor family Nicholas heard about a family who had lost their money. In those days, if you didn’t have money, your daughters couldn’t get married. This money was called a ‘dowry’. Without a dowry, the daughters would have to be sold as slaves.

Nicholas secretly gave the family enough gold for all three girls to marry. The father hid one night to see who was giving them the money. He thanked Nicholas, who told him not to tell anyone.

The Netherlands - a year in the life of Sinterklaas January - Sinterklaas rests! February - Sinterklaas travels around, watching to see how well children behave. November – Sinterklaas travels to the Netherlands from Spain by steamboat with his helper and his milk-white horse.  

Mid-November - 4 December Day - Sinterklaas and his helpers visit towns Night - Sinterklaas rides Schimmel to all the rooftops in the land. He drops chocolate letters, sweets and small presents down the chimneys for children who have been good all year. Children leave out shoes by the fireplace, filled with a carrot or some straw for the horse.

December 5th - evening Grown-ups and children exchange gifts called "surprises". They make up poems about their friends and family and secretly put them on the gifts. People read their poem aloud in front of everyone. Traditional sweets and baked goods are eaten and the adults drink mulled wine