Waiting for treats

I believe Santa Claus fills stockings the night before Christmas. We have Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). He lives in Holland a couple of weeks every year. At night he and his many helpers deliver small presents and treats in shoes. My parents allowed us to present one shoe each two or three nights a week. The shoes are put in front of the heating, because the helpers come down the chimney to fill the shoes while Sinterklaas waits up on the roof on his white horse, directing his helpers. Some songs need to be sung while putting out the shoe, some kids put their wishlist in, or carrots for the horse.

Many supermarkets have embraced the idea of putting up a shoe. This store had a paper shoe that kids could get and colour it, then return it to the store. Next week they will be filled with treats.

Unfortunately Sinterklaas passes by my house unnoticed. ...