Tips for a cozy Sinterklaas evening

If you have small children, you probably celebrate St. Nicholas Eve. But that doesn’t necessarily make Sinterklaas a celebration of children. Sinterklaas stands for coziness, being together, surprising each other, having a good laugh and especially ushering in the festive season. That you can also enjoy Sinterklaas as an adult, as this blog shows.

Sinterklaas for fun

Now that even the youngest member of our family no longer believes in the existence of Santa Claus, it doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy Sinterklaas Eve. Actually, it already starts with the entry. This year St. Nicholas arrived in the Netherlands on Nov. 18. At our house the shoe may be put on that same evening. And yes, there also still has to be singing, because otherwise it doesn’t count. In the shoe, by the way, come small gifts: a chocolate letter, some candy, a puzzle book, warm socks, shower gel, a scratch card, that kind of “useful” things (except for the candy).

Celebrating St. Nicholas Eve with family

As I said, everyone in our family is old enough to know “the secret,” but celebrating Sinterklaas together remains fun. It starts a few weeks before December 5. Then we draw lots with the family over a snack and a drink. We have agreed to each buy a gift of 15 euros for the person drawn. This can be one larger gift or several small gifts. The gift must be accompanied by a poem of at least one A4 size. On the ticket you then put what you would like to have. The advantage is that only the person drawing you knows what is on your wish list, so no chance of double presents. Does the family live far apart and is drawing lots inconvenient? Then draw lots digitally via e.g. lootjestrekken.nl. Super convenient!

Where will it be celebrated?

Some people are always the loser when it comes to party nights. Maybe the person doesn’t mind at all, but it’s much more fun to rotate, right? Is everyone staying for dinner? Then agree that everyone makes or brings something. Kitchen princes or princesses enjoy getting into the kitchen, but not everyone is so creative. Then have those people provide the sweets, chips and drinks. That way everyone contributes something and the cost is not on one person.

Playing a game

Are you celebrating Sinterklaas Eve with even older children or with friends? Then a dice game is really hilarious! Everyone buys three small gifts for a certain amount (2 to 5 euros). You will be surprised what great gifts one can find for those small amounts! Do set aside some time for it. You can also substitute one gift for something that you love yourself lol. Those are usually the most hilarious gifts. Then someone else is saddled with your thorn-in-the-eye. A dice game is very simple. Set an alarm in advance. You often have those pre-printed Sinterklaas dice at many stores (Action, Hema, Xenos). Take turns rolling them. The task on the dice must be performed by everyone. When the alarm goes off, the game is over. The presents by your chair are yours. We always divide them fairly so that everyone goes home with three presents. Afterwards it is also great fun to guess who bought which gift. Also fun with colleagues!

Making Surprises

Want to go all out on St. Nicholas Eve? Then all make a surprise! Draw lots and make something that relates to the recipient. You can add a poem and the evening will be perfect. You can make a surprise with or without a present. The surprise is actually the gift. Keep it neat, because nobody wants a room full of junk. Making a surprise is very labor intensive, so not everyone will appreciate it.

To conclude

The most important thing about celebrating St. Nicholas is that everyone can celebrate it the way he or she wants. It is meant to be a cozy celebration and the main thing is being together. So keep it fun for everyone and keep in mind everyone’s wallet. Then it will surely be a successful celebration!

Credits photos: www.canva.com