THE STORY BEHIND SINTERKLAAS Sinterklaas (full name Saint Nicolas, don't you dare confound him with Santa Claus!!) was born in Turkey between AD 250 and 270. From his early youth, he performed many miracles such as reviving dead children. He was declared holy and became known as the patron of children, sailor men and lovers. In the 19th century he moved to Madrid, Spain, together with his many assistants, the Black Petes. Every year, half November Sinterklaas and his Petes travel by steam boat to the Netherlands. At night, Dutch children place their shoes by the fire place and sing a song. Sinterklaas rides the roofs on his white horse to distribute presents. Pete then descend through the chimney (which is why he is so black) to put presents or candy in the children's shoes. On the eve of Sinterklaas' birthday (evening of 5 December), the whole family gathers in honour of this holy man. They eat speculaas and drink bishop's wine. Suddenly, loud bangs on the door disturb the harmony and a black hand throws in pepernoten. There he is: Sinterklaas with his Black Petes! They bring a big bag full of presents and more candy for all. One Black Pete also brings Sinterklaas' big book, which holds records of all good and bad deeds which people committed during the previous year. According to your behaviour, you can either get a reward or be punished. A reward is of course a present, while punishment normally consists of being caned by Black Pete. But if you have been extremely bad, you will be put into the bag and taken back with Sinterklaas to Spain, where you will spend the rest of your life in service of the Saint. So you'd better be good, or else.....