Across the world during the Christmas season, thousands of people celebrate the holiday in varied and unique ways. From the corporatized traditions of the U.S to the distinctive costumes of the Netherlands, many countries’ ways of celebrating the season come in all different forms.
For instance, in the Netherlands, the most exciting day is December 5th and 6th, as that is when Sinterklaas (St.Nicholas) arrives at a different harbor each year to give presents to the children. Written in Dutch tradition to live in Madrid, Spain, Sinterklaas rides by steamboat with his servant ‘Zwarte Pieten’ or “Sooty or Black Peter.” Similarly to the American tradition, children are told that Sinterklaas has kept a record of every deed they’ve done, good or bad. On Christmas eve, Santa Claus, or just called Christmas man, comes from Lapland Finland to deliver even more presents to the children.
YC student Floris Borms, an exchange student from the Netherlands, has many years of experience with the tradition.
“In my part of the country, we have a festival and then we get a week off, well the whole Netherlands gets a week off.”
Borms explains how the festival he attends goes on all week. It’s a tradition he enthusiastically explains.
“Basically, you put on some weird stuff on, like Halloween costumes, stuff like that. Then you go to the pop, listen to music, drink some beers.” Borms said, “In nearly every big city you have it in some form, but I think every village does it, so its well known”
The celebration for Borms means a lot more than just costumes or tradition however.
“For me, (It means) just spending time with friends, having fun, living a bit instead of gaming the whole day.” Borms explained excitedly, “Just a week for fun, spending time off school, spending time with friends.”
