In the Netherlands we celebrate the birthday of Sinterklaas/Saint Nicholas on December 5th. From mid-November, children are allowed to put their shoes by the chimney in the evening. The shoe contains a treat for Sinterklaas’ horse. Yes indeed, our Sinterklaas travels by horse, not by sleigh. He walks on the rooftops with it. He listens through the chimney to find out if the children are behaving well and puts presents in the shoes if they do. The horse gets the carrot or hay that the children have put in the shoe. Fortunately, the old man does not have to do all that himself: he has help from an army of ‘helpers, all called ‘Piet’ (Pete). Every year Sinterklaas makes the journey from his hometown of Madrid (Spain) to the Netherlands. Along with his horse, all his Petes and a shipload of presents. Strangely, he does this by steamer, even though Madrid is not by the sea. The Pieten keep track of who is nice and who is naughty. In the old days, nice children got a treat, and naughty children got the ‘roe’ (a bundle of twigs to spank their bottom). Fortunately, Sinterklaas has long since abandoned spanking children. He only spanks adult Petes who, just like himself, enjoy a nice old-fashioned Sinterklaas Spanking.
The Spanking Paddle in the picture is made of Amsterdam wood. The three St. Andrews’ crosses are not only the symbol of the city of Amsterdam, but also provide an extra sting during your Sinterklaas Spanking session.
Buy your Paddle at www.spanksterdam.com
