newfromnow

My kids are a pretty lucky lot really, since they get showered with presents twice in December...Firstly for the celebration of Sinterklaas, whose status as the patron saint of children is celebrated in the Netherlands and a few surrounding countries.
Children wholly believe in his existence up till about the age of 10 and this is mostly due to the fact that even dutch national television is very much implicated in keeping him alive. Towards mid November the excitement begins... shoes are placed in front of fireplaces and little trinkets are found the next morning, mostly 'pepernoten' ( similar to ginger bread cookies in flavour) and other sweets.
 For the most part of my childhood, the same actor appeared every year on his steam boat all the way from Spain with only recently a new Sinterklaas making his appearance, the former taking up his retirement on the Costa del Sol most probably ;) 

Now it's nearly Christmas and my lot are in for a second coming...where as in Holland children don't normally receive presents having been spoiled by St Nick,  living in Australia means a Christmas ham on the barbie and lots more presents for them to open. We try and be sensible, but can't account for crazy aunts and nanna's.

We will be spending time up in beautiful Brisbane this year, with a week of calm and tranquility in Byron Bay to top it off. What will you be doing?

Hope you have a great day!

Michelle

all images Pinterest.