Sinterklaas: A nostalgic children's party or dying cultural heritage?

As a child from 1986, I look back with fond memories of the Sinterklaas period as it used to be. It was a magical time when the world was all about excitement, surprises, and the smell of fresh gingerbread nuts. But when I compare that time to how things are going today, I wonder if we haven't lost something essential.

Sinterklaas then: The enchantment of simplicity

The old days of Sinterklaas felt simpler, in the best way. The Piets were black and that was not a topic of discussion. Bram van der Vlugt was the one and only Sinterklaas – his voice, his appearance, that was Sinterklaas. Although Stefan de Walle does his job as successor with verve, Bram will always remain my favorite saint.

The Petes had clear roles: the Waypoint Pete and Head Pete were recognizable figures, with their own charms and responsibilities. The Sinterklaas news did not yet exist; the arrival and a visit from Sinterklaas to the village were more than enough to bring the magic to life.

Sinterklaas now: More show, less soul?

Today, Sinterklaas increasingly resembles a large-scale production. The Sinterklaas news, although well-intentioned, sometimes causes unrest. For example, my own 5-year-old recently wondered if Santa Claus was going to die, after a storyline about a hospital and the sound of a saw. Is that the purpose of a children's party? A little tension is part of it, but nightmares? That seems a bit exaggerated to me.

In addition, even the presenters of the Sinterklaas news become the subject of discussion. This year Merel Westrik replaced Dieuwertje Blok, who is ill. Although I think Merel is doing well, I couldn't ignore the complaints online. People seem to forget that Dieuwertje will not present the Sinterklaas news forever. It sometimes feels like we forget to enjoy what we have because we hold on to the way it once was.

The magic of handmade shoes

Yet there are also positive developments that give the party some of its magic back. Stores such as Lidl, HEMA and other chains now offer children the opportunity to put on a handmade shoe. I really like that. It is a great way to involve children and let them get creative themselves. Those little extras make it that little bit more special for many families, especially at a time when traditions are increasingly changing.

Where have the gingerbread nuts gone?

And then those meager gingerbread nuts in the Piet and Parcel Palaces... Give me the celebrations of the past, with a well-filled bag and a lot of fun. Now it seems as if even the gingerbread is being rationed. On the other hand, perhaps that is understandable since everything is becoming more expensive.

Sinterklaas: A trauma or holiday?

Sinterklaas has never really been a celebration for my husband. He was born on December 5, which means that his birthday always had to compete with St Nicholas' Eve. And if that wasn't enough, it's also his parents' wedding anniversary. That posed many logistical challenges: if you celebrated before or after December 5, friends and family were often busy with their own Sinterklaas plans. That's why we now celebrate it in our own way. Our children were allowed to put their shoes on on November 16, 23 and 30. In this way we consciously create a party that revolves around them, without the stress of a mandatory St Nicholas' Eve.

Is Sinterklaas going to disappear?

With the current course, the beautiful, nostalgic children's and family party seems to be slowly disappearing. Sinterklaas is increasingly turning into a political and commercial affair. What was once a celebration of simplicity and magic is now overshadowed by arguments, complaining adults and complicated storylines. If we are not careful, in a few years, Sinterklaas will be more of a relic than a celebration.

Let's focus on what it really means: being together, laughing, and giving children a little magic. Because in the end, that's what it's all about, right? This is how I see it, based on my own experiences and memories. It is not my intention to offend anyone, but simply to share my view of a party that has a special meaning for many.