Sinterklaas
By Bob Hofman <[email protected]>
Holland
Today, december 5th is a special
day in Holland; it's 'Sinterklaas'. Sinterklaas is like you perhaps in
your country know Santa Claus. The young children firmly believe
in this holy man coming with his 'ocean steamer' over the sea from Spain
every year. He brings with him dozens of helpers and tons of gifts. His
arrival, half November, is broadcasted on television nation wide. Most
of the older kids and adults, know Sinterklaas doesn't exists, but we keep
on pretending by making funny wrapped presents for each other, combined
with a special made poem. A poem in which one is even allowed to be bit
naughty.
And so we celebrated Sinterklaas
today; 2 grandparents, 4 children and 10 grandchildren. I took us over
3,5 hours to unwrap all the presents and read all the poems. On one certain
moment my youngest daughter Anne was reading her poem, made by her grand
father. The excitement was clear to see on her face with red cheeks. It
was just the second year she entered the adult world of 'Sinterklaas, and
she was interacting like it was her 80th time (like her grandfather). What
a thrill to be a part this real family feeling. For years one of my younger
brothers has not participated. He more or less minds his own business.
Now he has kids of his own, and guess what, for the first time he told
us it would be fun for him the join.
For me there's a strong similarity
between this Dutch tradition (Sinterklaas is being celebrated for over
400 years), and what happened on this list the past three weeks.
The most of us still believe
in something! We don't have to spell it out, it's just there. Like 'Sinterklaas'
it's about young and old together; to share and care. Sure some of you
are on the other side of the globe, but that's why this list is her! To
share and care on a global base, to show to the young ones: This is how
we do it, on a bases of respect and understanding. Then some really nasty
mails came by, and with great respect I followed your replies. I'm convinced
one day, like my younger brother, more people will notice what's going
on, and will realise there's a real truth and value in 'sharing and caring'.
Oh yes, there are over a
100 mails in my in-box every day as well, but please let me be a part of
this list. Accept my contribution will be incidental but 'whole hearted'.
Nice to know about "Sinterklaas"!
By Sylvia Li, Taiwan
<[email protected]>
I hope that I could share
that with my students.
The true existence of Santa
Claus is in the innocent heart. If only if he is the symbol of love, he
is real as anything we could touch. I absolute like your idea "To share
and care on a global base, to show to the young ones: This is how we do
it, on a bases of respect and understanding."
Hope that your daughter and
children all over the world and anyone with childlike wonder have spend
a great deal on "Sinterklaas". |
