Soo, if you are living in the Netherlands you definitely know what I am talking about. If not, well, maybe you know as well. The typical Dutch tradition ‘Sinterklaas’ has been hitting the news quite often during the last few years. Leaving the discussion out, I would like to tell you a little something about the tradition of giving presents, getting together and have great food (mostly candy though) and how even without children, we tend to get together and celebrate.
Tonight is ‘Pakjesavond’ this is the night ‘Sinterklaas’ brings his presents to the children. As a child this used to be the highlight of my year, and I had been making wish lists for months now. But later, as I grew older and got to realize ‘Sinterklaas’ was not real, I discovered it is not about the presents. The ‘gezelligheid’* of these evenings; family and friends together, have dinner, enjoy music, lots and lots of candy and presents, is just really my kind of thing. Even when all the children grew old, you start making surprises for each other, just to gather on the 5th of december and enjoy each others company.
Perfect snacks by ‘Stach‘ and ‘Van Delft Pepernotenfabriek’.
So what makes the perfect ‘Pakjesavond’?
Well, gather your friends and family first. Buy some presents, small or little, funny or special, doesn’t really matter in my opinion. Prepare some food. Maybe a big dinner if you’d like, but little snacks and finger food will do the job as well. Of course, never forget to get a bunch of ‘pepernoten’ or even make them yourself. The ones covered in truffel chocolate really do it for me. Marzipan is always a big hit, I like the ones shaped like little potatoes. Of course, chocolate letters, which come in all sorts and sizes. ‘Taai Taai’, ‘Banketstaaf’, ‘Speculaas’, ‘Borstplaat’, these do not even have a translation in my knowing, but can all be found in a supermarket. As I said, lots and lots of cookies, candy and chocolate will do the trick.
Old fashioned boardgames can fill the evening; monopoly, mens-erger-je-niet, rummikub. The presents can be bought for particular persons (in case of childeren) or just some small ones to be put in one pile, which will be divided a game (friends gathering).
Guaranteed Dutch ‘gezelligheid’ for the night.
Sincerely,
Mr. J.
* Sorry there really is no perfect translation capturing the meaning of this word, think something like cosiness, fun and happiness put together.