Sinterklaas is a traditional winter holiday figure in the Netherlands. It’s celebrated on 5 December on Saint Nicholas‘ Eve, when children receive their presents. The children put their shoe in front of the fireplace in the evening, then go to bed, and find the presents in their shoes the next morning.

Sinterklaas for grown-ups means a party of giving and receiving presents called ’surprises’. A ’surprise’ is a gift hidden in the appearance of something completely different accompanied with a poem about some funny (or embarrassing) moments in the past year.

Sinterklaas is dressed like a bishop and holds a golden staff in his hand. He also carries a big book which tells whether each individual child has been good or naughty in the past year. He traditionally rides a white horse called Amerigo and his helping hand is Black Pete.