SINTERKLAAS

Hij Komt.....
Sinterklaas will be celebrating his birthday with the NAADV in Springfield at our annual celebration. Join us for coffee and speculaas as the children enjoy the Sinterklaas thrill!

We request that parents DO NOT BRING GIFTS THE DAY OF THE EVENT! Many young children are caught up in the magic of believing in Sint and can be confused when they see parents bringing in wrapped packages. But, Sint wishes to offer each child a gift so parents should send a gift for each of their children (under $20.00 please). GIFTS MUST BE GIFT WRAPPED and clearly marked with the child's name! Along with your gift, send in the registration form and payment (a flyer with details will be mailed to current members). We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Due to the usually large turnout, this event is for members only so make sure your membership is up to date! The NAADV cannot accept late registration or unregistered "binnenvallers" at the door

Location: Princeton Presbyterian Church, 933 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064

When: To be announced for 2010

Click here to download a registration form.

Directions to St. Princeton Presbyterian Church:
From Philadelphia: Take I-95 S to 476 N to the Media/Swarthmore exit (# 3). Off exit ramp, turn right to go East on Baltimore Pike towards Springfield. 1.3 miles on the right on the corner of Church Rd.

From King of Prussia: Take 476 S to the Media/Swarthmore exit (# 3). Off exit ramp, turn left to go East on Baltimore Pike towards Springfield. 1.3 miles on the right on the corner of Church Rd.

For More Information on this event contact: Els Gardner, whomels[a]msn.com

A Real Dutch Tradition...
Sinterklaas is celebrated on December 5th in the Netherlands. About 1600 years ago, Bishop Nicholas lived in Turkey and when he died, he was buried in Spain and became a Saint for all his good deeds. Today, Dutch parents tell their young children that St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) still lives in Spain together with hundreds of black helpers called "Black Peters" or "Zwarte Pieten". At the end of November, Sinterklaas arrives in The Netherlands by steamer and in many Dutch towns and cities the mayor is there to welcome him. After his arrival, children put out a shoe and every night Sinterklaas rides over the rooftops on his white horse. Zwarte Piet comes down through the chimney to fill the waiting shoes with ginger nuts (pepernoten), sugar animals (suikerbeesten), chocolate frogs and mice, or chocolate letters. Children who have been naughty will find a stick in their shoe.

The evening before Sinterklaas' birthday, "Pakjesavond" is celebrated. During this family feast, the children receive presents. The older children and the adults often make surprise presents for each other. In these cleverly wrapped presents there is usually a small poem or rhyme hidden within spoofing the person what they are about.

For more about Sinterklaas, try these web sites:
www.sinterklaasopinternet.nl/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
www.thehollandring.com/sinterklaas.shtml

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