by Sanne, age 9, asks when Christmas comes, about Amsterdam’s canals, and Sinterklaas
Dear Santa,
Hallo from Amsterdam. My name is Sanne and I am 9 years old. In early December we already celebrate Sinterklaas, who arrives by steamboat and rides a white horse across the rooftops, so by the time actual Christmas arrives, I sometimes feel like the season has been going on forever.
My first question is: when does Christmas actually come, and when does the season begin?
My second question is geography: how many canals does Amsterdam have?
My third question is from school: who is Sinterklaas, and how is he different from you?
I left you a pepernoten cookie left over from Sinterklaas, and I hope that is alright.
Love, Sanne, age 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Sanne, a leftover pepernoten is always welcome, and I have great respect for my Dutch colleague, more on him shortly. Now, to your interesting questions.
When does Christmas actually come?
Christmas Day itself always falls on the 25th of December, but the season leading up to it starts at different times depending on where you live and what traditions your family follows. Many European countries begin the season with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas, while some places, like your own Netherlands, start celebrating even earlier with Sinterklaas festivities in early December. In some countries, like the United States, the season is often thought to begin right after Thanksgiving in late November. However it starts for you, Christmas Day itself always arrives on the same date, ready to bring the season to its warm and happy peak.
How many canals does Amsterdam have?
Amsterdam has roughly 165 canals, stretching for more than 100 kilometres in total, crossed by over 1,500 bridges. The city is sometimes called the Venice of the North, and in a cold winter the canals can even freeze solid enough for skating, which is one of the loveliest sights in the whole country.
Who is Sinterklaas, and how is he different from you?
Sinterklaas is a beloved Dutch figure based on the same historical Saint Nicholas that my own story grew from, but over the centuries our traditions took different paths. Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat from Spain in mid-November, wears bishop robes and a tall red mitre, rides a white horse across rooftops, and delivers gifts and treats on the 5th and 6th of December, helped by his own team of helpers. I arrive later, travel by sleigh and reindeer, and come on Christmas Eve itself. We are, in a sense, cousins from the very same old legend, just grown up in different countries with different customs.
Enjoy the rest of your very long, very lovely season, and I shall see you soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
