| Sinterklaas | |
Sinterklaas usually brings gifts to the children of Holland on December 5th. The children put their shoes next to the chimney filled with straw and a carrot. These treats are for Sinterklaas' horse. The next morning, when the children wake up, they find the straw and carrot have been replaced by a present and/or candy.
Sinterklaas travels on his horse with an assistant named Zwarte (black) Piet. Zwarte Piet lets Santa know if a child has been good or bad. Sometimes, it is Zwarte Piet's job to discipline the naughty children.
Much like Santa Claus, Sinterklaas is an old man with a long white beard, he wears a red costume with golden stripes, and a mitre on his head. Zwarte Piet has dark skin, curly hair, and wears red lipstick.
