Sinterklaas v. Santa Clause

I have four more days until I get to board the plane that will whisk me away from this place of madness and take me back to a land of corn and soy products. Yes, that land is Indiana. I never had a terribly high opinion of Indiana, even when I was living there. However, I'm pretty sure I'd compete in a cage fight against a 300-pound woman with questionable personal hygiene if it meant I could get there one day earlier. Dare to dream...

In the last few weeks here in the Netherlands, I've had the concept of Sinterklaas shoved in my face. Now, Sinterklaas was the patron saint of children back in medieval times or colonial times or... yesteryear. When he was living in Turkey (seriously), he was said to have beaten the devil into submission (whom these medeival/colonial people referred to as Black Pete) and turned him into his slave. These days, Sinterklaas shows up in Holland in the middle of November and heads back to Spain on Dec. 6, the day after his birthday (you can't make this stuff up).


Whilst Sinterklaas hangs out in the Netherlands, all the little Dutch children put out their shoes in hopes of receiving a small present or two (or 12). Now, this is where I find Sinterklaas to be lacking (well, that and the political incorrectness of his little helpers, all called Black Pete). As far as I can tell, the kids don't have to behave especially well or do anything out of the ordinary to receive these presents. They just have to be kids.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for cultural differences and celebrating individuality and whatnot. I would like to point out, however, that Santa requires good behavior. These kids now have some accountability! I mean, most parents aren't going to deny their kids a present and then say, "Wow, you must've been a real punk this year", but it's the thought that counts. Sadly, most Dutch kids actually get presents from Sinterklaas and Santa Clause. It's enough to make you want to cack.



---Subject change---

I normally can't stand it when Christmas decorations and holiday songs start before Thanksgiving. The more variations I hear on "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" or "Jinglebell Rock", the more I want to trash a department store window display. I mean, I never would, but don't think I'm not considering it every time I go into Macy's. Due to a large vat of homesickness, however, I suddenly can't get enough of that wacky holiday spirit. I'm already planning what movies I'm going to watch when I get home. In no particular order:

1. White Christmas - This will be viewed several times to my father's dismay
2. Elf - Say what you will but I love this movie
3. Miracle on 34th Street (old version preferred but the new will suffice)
4. Scrooged - Bill Murray at his finest
5. Love, Actually - This will also be viewed multiple times, mostly for Hugh Grant's dancing
6. Fred Claus - Okay, so I've got a crush on Vince Vaughn but that's beside the point

Movies I will be skipping despite the infinite number of times they will be aired on major television networks:

1. A Christmas Story - I don't know why, but I HATE this movie
2. Jingle All the Way - Do I even need to say anything?
3. Bad Santa - I've not actually seen it but Billy Bob Thornton makes me itchy
4. Any remake on ABC Family starring Alyssa Milano, Judge Reihnhold or Erik Von Detten

You may have noticed that the "ultimate" Christmas movie was not listed... that being It's A Wonderful Life. Now, some of you may not want to read further because you might be shocked and/or appalled, but I have never seen this movie. I just don't have the attention span for it.

Maybe this year will be the year I remedy this situation but... eh, I don't see it happening.