This is traditionally the Feast Day of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, Belgium and many other parts of Europe. Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is the patron saint of children and, according to legend, he arrives via boat from Spain sometime in November, initiating the start of the holiday season. On the night of December 5 he climbs aboard his white horse named Schimmel and rides from door to door, leaving presents for the good kids. Children are encouraged to leave carrots and sprigs of hay inside their shoes, which they set next to the fireplace, so that Schimmel can enjoy a late night snack.
