Today Eveliene and Julia's mum (Petra) came into our class, to let us know about Santee Klaas.
We learnt that ...
- Santee Klaas comes from Spain each year, in mid November, by steam boat, and he has a horse he brings with him.
- He has 100's of 'Black Piet's' but one main helper also called Black Piet. - These are kind of like elves.
- Every night from mid November till the 4'th of December, you get to put one of your shoes (and a treat for the horse), by the fire place, or by your front door, and you get a little present in return.
- Every night (or day) you sing him a song (see our youtube example below), to encourage him to come and leave his treat for you.
- On the 5th of Dec you often hear a knock at the door, and when you open the door, there is a sack full of presents.
- Santee Klass was a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church - To many people, this is where our Santa Claus originated from.
- Santee Klass, lived in the 6 century, and was known to help others by putting money in shoes, around this time of year. This is where the money/small present each night comes from.
In Holland you also celebrate Christmas on the 24, 25 & 26th of December, but you would normally only get one present.
