Sinterklaas and the Pieten: At School and at Home

Draws,Gifts,Culture,Celebrations

For more detailed information about the origins, traditions, and history of Sinterklaas and the Pieten, we invite you to check out our article: Sinterklaas (November 11 - December 5). In this article, you can explore every aspect of this beloved Dutch tradition.

Sinterklaas and the Pieten At School

Sinterklaas and his helpers, the Pieten, typically visit schools on a day designated by the school during the week of December 5th, Pakjesavond. This special day is announced in advance by the school and is eagerly anticipated. Gifts are distributed to the children, and plenty of pepernoten are served. Our school had prepared a special room for this event called the “Pakjeskamer Sint” . The room was filled with boxes covered to look like gift packages. Even the windows were covered with wrapping paper to prevent them from being seen from the outside. On the day Sinterklaas arrives at the school, the children will take turns selecting their gifts from this room.

Draws and Gifts in Classes

Starting from Group 5, a gift draw is conducted among the children. In this draw, organized by the teachers, each child learns whom they will prepare a gift for. In some schools, children are asked to write down things they like on a list, allowing the gifts to be personalized. The gift boxes are not simple; they are usually large and decorated, resembling a project assignment. On the day Sinterklaas arrives, these boxes are brought to the classroom.

Shoe-Laying Tradition (Schoen Zetten)

One day before Sinterklaas’s visit, children are asked to leave one of their shoes in the classroom. In Groups 1 and 2, children typically use one of their gym shoes since they are usually at school. In other groups, children leave either one of their real shoes or folded cardboard shoes. The next morning, children generally find chocolates in their shoes. This tradition is widespread in basisschools(primary school) and can also be practiced in the first year(brugklas) of middelbareschool(primary school). Who wouldn’t love a surprise chocolate?

Sinterklaas’s Arrival and the Pieten

When Sinterklaas and the Pieten arrive at the school, the atmosphere becomes quite lively. The RammelPietjes (mischievous Pieten) might have rummaged through the classrooms overnight. The children, along with their teachers, try to organize the classrooms.

A special area is set aside for the celebrations where Sinterklaas meets the students on stage. Classes typically come in groups (1-2-...) in sequence, sing songs, and take plenty of photos. They then go to the “Pakjeskamer Sint” room to select their gifts.

LeesPiet (Reading Piet) reinforces the love for stories by reading books to the children. MuziekPiet (Music Piet) sings songs together with the children. Classes meet Sinterklaas one by one, sing songs, take photos, and receive their gifts. The day concludes with a series of fun activities.

Sinterklaas and the Pieten At Home

Pakjesavond Evening

On the evening of December 5th, during the Pakjesavond celebrations, children leave their shoes in front of the door. Inside the shoe, a carrot is placed for the horse, and pictures are placed for Sinterklaas and the Pieten. Some families ask their neighbors to knock on the door and leave the gifts. However, children who believe that Sinterklaas and the Pieten will come to collect these and leave gifts might get scared when someone knocks on the door, thinking it’s them. So, be careful!

Those Who Can’t Wait for Pakjesavond Evening

Some families can’t wait for December 5th and prefer to give the gifts early. Even if an email is sent from the Sinterklaas Journal to Sinterklaas and the Pieten, messages like “Gifts will be distributed soon” might be sent back, leaving it to your imagination . Children leave their shoes overnight, and when they wake up in the morning, they see that the horse has eaten the carrots, Sinterklaas has taken the pictures, and the Pieten have left the gifts. How the gifts are placed inside is always a mystery! 😊

These traditions make the Sinterklaas season unforgettable for children and families.