TRADITION! Dutch Christmas

DUTCH CHRISTMAS 2013

One of our favorite Tate-family traditions is the celebration of Dutch Christmas.  This tradition started because of Dad's mission to Holland.  The Dutch celebrate Christmas on December 5th.  So our celebration is typically held on the first Saturday of December.  It is a great way to start the Christmas Season.  With good food, family and friends, the singing of Sinter Klaas Kapoentje, the unwrapping of the multi-layered Dutch gift with personalized poems for each child, and a visit from Sinter Klaas, it never disappoints.

This year (2013), our Dutch Christmas celebration was especially fun with the delivery of authentic Dutch Wooden Shoes for each little girl and boy from Sinter Klaas!

Mom and Dad (aka Sinter Klaas)

 

Mom starting the Dutch Gift

 

 

The kids waiting "patiently" for their turn to read their

poem and remove one wrapping of the gift.

 

Matteo had to wait a long time for his turn,
but he was the lucky one who got to
remove the last wrapping and
share the yummy treats with everyone.

 

 This year, Sinter Klaas' bag only contained a small package
and a note that said the gifts he had brought for the kids
were too big to fit in the bag.  Just then, a big box
appeared with a gift bag for each child. 

 

Here is the result:

 

 

 

The kids LOVED their wooden shoes
and walked (stomped)  around on the wood floor in delight!
 Trust me, the noise was deafening!

We always miss those who aren't with this during this celebration.
 But Amy and Janet carry out the tradition with their
families and friends in Boise and Baltimore. 
It is a favorite for one and all!

 

This year's Dutch Christmas celebration was one to remember!

Thanks Mom and Dad!