Every year we celebrate Sinterklaas. But who is Sinterklaas? We will explain.
The real name is Nicholas Ninos Laos. When he became bishop, he changed that into Nicholas.
Saints are always remembered on their anniversary and that of St. Nicholas is December 6.
Surprise eve is the day before, so on December 5. When we celebrate St Nicholas, it is not his birthday, as we have always thought, but we remember his death.
Why do we exchange gifts on this day? Nicholas was a man who liked to help and suprise poor people. Because he didn't want to receive anything in exchange, not even a thanks, he did it secretly so they didn't even know who had helped. He really did it for other people and not for himselve. At St. Nicholas today, we actually do the same.
When the children are young their parents buy gifts for them. The children believe that Sinterklaas brought the gifts. When the children no longer believe in Sinterklaas, people put their names in a hat and everybody pulls one name, for whom he buys or makes a surprise. On December 5th the presents are given to each other. You never reveal whose name you've pulled out of the hat. Of course you can also surprise someone who deserves something extra.
The good thing is that you learn to give instead of to take.
You do it for others and not yourself.
That is the real Sinterklaas Thought.
Would you like to see more how we celebrate it last Friday? Then klick this link
http://picasaweb.google.com/107728247586446816926/ONSNSinterklaas2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3fifL9h7GNggE&feat=email);
