"Sinterklaas"
image from Historynet.com
One of my favorite movies in December is "Miracle on 34th Street". I can tell you the reason that it is my favorite: because of the scene pictured above. In this movie, a little orphan girl from Rotterdam, Holland, is adopted by the woman standing behind her. They saw Santa Claus in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the little girl - who speaks only Dutch - was so excited, calling him "Sinterklaas". The woman brought the little girl to see Santa Claus, explaining to him that the girl spoke only Dutch, and she knows that he will be unable to communicate with her. At this point, Santa speaks in Dutch to the little girl. The look of joy and relief on the Dutch girl's face is so touching! Santa Claus can talk with her!
Sinterklaas is the name of the Dutch St. Nicholas. Sinterklaas brings goodies to children on the night of December 5 and leaves them in their shoes which have been left out. On December 6, the Dutch children wake up to discover what surprises Sinterklaas left for them!
Enjoy your weekend!
