Oops. I was feeling so sick Saturday night, I mixed up the dates and thought it was time to put out our wooden shoes for Sinterklaas. I was desperate to get into bed, and sad to think that this first Sinterklaas celebration that Lucy would remember would be so lacking. I had managed to get to the store for some once-a-year non-local citrus and a few tiny other treats, but had made no other preparations. But...
Over dinner, I told Lucy about Sinterklaas. She knew our wooden shoes well (my Dutch-descent family decorates with them), and I told her we'd put them by the door before bed. As soon as she got down from the table, she got her shoes and ran to set them right by the front door. We followed with ours, singing. In the tiny front hall, we held hands in a circle and sang "Sinterklaas, Kapoentje" again and again, dancing in that funny lifting-feet-high way of toddlers. It was glorious. I couldn't have wished for more.
In the morning, Lucy was thrilled to find an orange, a special candle, and raisins in her shoes. Thank goodness for the infectious joy of toddlers!
Happy St. Nicholas' day (even if the rest of you are all celebrating a day "late"!).
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5 comments:
Warmest wishes of St. Nicholas day to you as well! We are enjoying a lovely celebration complete with our wooden shoes and citrus too! I loved reading of your singing and dancing, so sweet. xo
I first heard of Sinterklaas many years ago from a German friend. We don't celebrate St. Nicholas Day but I think we will have to begin celebrating it next year. I think Lucy is going to remember her first celebration and many more to come.
What a beautiful shot, and surely hope you are feeling better!
What a wonderful celebration : )
Thank you for sharing this beautiful day with us. It sounds like a wonderful tradition.
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