The sinterklaas period brings that wonderful excitement into the home every year. The moment when the little ones run to the hallway to see if the good saint has visited remains pure gold. But hand on heart: how often do you actually let them put out that shoe and what do you put in it without it becoming a chore or a blow to your budget? Don't panic, we are diving into this warm tradition together.
How often do you actually put out that shoe
Things used to be different, and nowadays the bar is sometimes set frighteningly high. You really don't have to fill the shoe every single night. You won't keep that up and the magic loses its shine if it becomes a routine. Agree with yourself and your children on which fixed evenings the shoe may be put out, for example on the weekend and wednesday afternoon. This way you slowly build up the excitement towards gift-giving evening, and it stays fun and manageable for everyone.
Sinterklaas is generous, but that doesn't mean major toys need to appear from that shoe every time. In fact, it is often the small things that children enjoy the most. Think of a handful of pepernoten, a modestly sized chocolate letter, or a small mandarin. Useful items that you needed anyway, such as a cheerful toothbrush, socks with a fun print, or a coloring book, also work fantastically. After all, it's about the surprise effect and not the monetary value.
The classics: carrot, water, and a drawing
Putting out the shoe naturally involves more than just waiting for treats. After all, the horse of Sinterklaas also works hard and needs some fuel. Let the children set out a nice carrot, along with a bowl of water for the horse and maybe a sugar lump as a well-deserved reward. Don't forget to put a nice drawing or a wishlist in the shoe either. Such a wishlist is handy, because if you share it online via Sinterklaaslijst.be, you immediately know for sure that the saint won't arrive with duplicate gifts.
How to keep it affordable for the wallet
The month of december is expensive enough as it is. It is very easy to lose yourself in all those sinterklaas purchases, but it really can be different. Buy a large bag of pepernoten and a net of mandarins in advance and divide that over the various shoe moments. Save big gifts nicely for gift-giving evening, while the shoe gifts are truly about small tokens. This way the tradition remains affordable and it's all about coziness together.
Ultimately, it is all about the sparkle in those children's eyes and the warm moments by the fireplace. Above all, don't make it too difficult for yourself and enjoy these magical weeks.