The Dutch have a charming tradition
@sallypup (60954)
Centralia, Washington
December 6, 2016 8:56pm CST
Quite a number of years ago I lived near the town of Lynden. Lynden is a small, almost village up near the Canadian border. Its known for its farmers and its Dutch heritage. And its incredibly beautiful and huge draft horses. Its county fair just is something to behold.
In December this little town has a little festival. One year I took my Mom up to witness this event. Sinter Claus rides into town on a large, white work horse. Of course Sinter Claus has his magnificent robes on. Behind him walks Black Peter. Black Peter is the guy to watch out for if you have been a naughty child. He hands out coal instead of candy and toys to the rascally children.
Sinter Claus gets off his horse and goes into a little theater. The children line up to have a chat with him there.
Both Mom and I enjoyed watching Sinter Clause come to town; we loved hearing the clop, clop of his horse. It was quite cold that evening but we were warm for a few minutes as we stood there with the crowd.
33 people like this
33 responses
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
7 Dec 16
As a child Sinterklaas always brought treats...peppernotten, taai taai, marzipan, chocolate letters. I send a box of Dutch treats to my sister in NC early every December.
7 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Dec 16
@Morleyhunt Thank you for the precious window into your childhood. And thanks for the help with how to spell Sinterklaas! My hubby loves marzipan. Interesting about the chocolate letters. And your lucky sister! receiving those treats.
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17713)
• South Africa
7 Dec 16
@LadyDuck was just writing about the same Sinterklaas day - I remember when the Dutch Exchange girl lived with us, she taught us all about it and we have done a little chocolate sharing on the 6th since then - its been almost 10 years since she was here.
4 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
7 Dec 16
be funny if he gave some coal to an adult or two, and maybe a child (who knew ahead of time to play along) as a lesson!
3 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Dec 16
@Jessicalynnt Like a Moral Play.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41387)
• United States
7 Dec 16
I bet that's a wonderful memory for you.
4 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Dec 16
@1creekgirl It is. Interesting what sticks in the brain from past years.
2 people like this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
7 Dec 16
That sounds just lovely - do you know which province in Canada it is close to? Would love to see pictures. 
3 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Dec 16
@MissNikki British Columbia, nearest big city is Vancouver.
2 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
10 Dec 16
@MissNikki That is pretty country by Vancouver.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
10 Dec 16
@sallypup Wow, I live very close to Vancouver so am surprised I haven't heard of it - or maybe I have and just forgot, LoL
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
7 Dec 16
I love hearing about the Christmas traditions of other peoples and places! Thanks for sharing this wonderful memory! As I was reading your post, I imagined myself being there as part of the tradition.
3 people like this
@Namelesss (3365)
• United States
7 Dec 16
Such a sweet and nostalgic memory for our upcoming holidays. Thank you for sharing that, it gave me a smile.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160611)
• United States
7 Dec 16
It sounds like a lovely, homey tradition.
2 people like this
@stringer321 (5644)
• Kiryat Ata, Israel
26 Dec 16
It is interesting when you say homey tradition, because your home is on wheels, do you have any tradition for home on wheels ?
1 person likes this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
26 Dec 16
@stringer321 The home I live in is not on wheels. Its 24 feet wide. Originally it was wheeled here but now it sits on a concrete slab. I hope this helps you understand what I live in. Good to hear from you.
@celticeagle (166672)
• Boise, Idaho
7 Dec 16
That would be something to see. I enjoy those big horses too. Clydesdales, Morgans, etc.
2 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Dec 16
@Celticeagle My grandfather, on my Dad's side, raised Percherons for his farm. Such gentle giants!
2 people like this
@sallypup (60954)
• Centralia, Washington
8 Dec 16
@celticeagle We've ridden on carriage rides most times that we've visited Victoria in Canada. I get all dopey with the horses that pull those carriages.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
8 Dec 16
That sounds like an interesting place to visit.
2 people like this
