12. Shoe-Filling in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, children eagerly anticipate Sinterklaas by placing their shoes near the fireplace on the evening of December 5th. They often include a carrot or hay for Sinterklaas’s horse, Amerigo, and a drawing or letter for Sinterklaas himself. In return, they find small gifts or treats in their shoes the next morning. This tradition, known as “schoen zetten,” has been documented since the 15th century and is a cherished part of Dutch Christmas celebrations (aronson.com).
