So my husband’s mother was born in Holland, so the kids have an Oma. We thought it would be cute for them to do Dutch school so they could do some crafts and learn some songs from Oma’s homeland. But what I have just learned is that on December 5th, Sinterklaas comes to the homes of Dutch kids (and apparently to the homes of kids who have Omas) to put little presents in their boots or shoes. OK, that seems a bit funny, but no problem. I chuck a KinderEgg into the five little boots and I’m good to go.
But wait! It gets better…..the kids then proceed to tell me that if children are naughty, Sinterklaas throws them into his bag and hauls them back to his place for two weeks of behaviour boot camp! I’m thinking maybe this Sinterklaas deal might be a good thing….
Then comes time to put them to bed. Sinterklaas backfires…..anxiety, tears, outright meltdowns because they all think they’re going to wake up in some bag! They were out of control. We even had to phone Oma so that she could confirm that the ‘kid in a bag’ part is legend. Oma was not home. Then they insisted I phone their teacher from Dutch School. Sweet Mrs. Templeman
Note to self – know more about cultural traditions than the children do. Consider that lesson learned.
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