Sinterklaas

In the days leading up to December 5 (starting when Saint Nicholas has arrived in the Netherlands by steamboat), young children put their shoes in front of the chimneys and sing special 'Sinterklaas-songs'. Often the shoe is filled with a carrot or some hay for the horse of St. Nicholas. On the next morning they will find a small present in their shoe, ranging from a bag of chocolate coins to a bag of marbles or some other small toy. On the evening of December 5th, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child that has been good in the past year (in practice to all children). This is often done by placing a sack with presents outside the house or living room, after which a neighbour or parent bangs the door or window, pretending to be Sinterklaas' assistant. Another option is to hire or ask someone to dress up as Sinterklaas and deliver the presents personally. This character is the equivalent of Santa Claus in the rest of the world.

So as Owen is still very young we did not go this whole route and instead took his shoes (one real one and one coloured in one by mom) to two supermarkets where on specific days before the 5th Sinterklas showed up and put goodies in the shoe. I think mom found the experience and goodies much more entertaining and yummy than Owen.