In Holland, we have yet another version of Santaclaus.
At the 5th of december, children put down their shoes under the chimney, to be filled with presents from "Sinterklaas" (Sint Heer Klaas = Saint Lord Nicolas)
This honors the memory of some bishop of the Turkish city of Mira, who was proclaimed a saint after his death, and is regarded as the patron saint of children. the 5th of december is said to have been his birthday.
In their shoes, the children leave a carrot, and perhaps an apple, as a gift for the saint's white horse, that carries him over the rooftops, delivering the packages to the children.
Sinterklaas is not helped by gnomes, like Santaclaus.
Instead, he is assisted by negroid helpers, called "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete). Historically, in the time of the bishop's life, he would have had North-African servants (the Moors, taken captive after ending their occupation of Spain).
Sinterklaas looks somewhat like a cross between Santaclaus and a bishop. Big fluffy beard, red robe, red holy mitre, golden staff.
Santaclaus and Sinterklaas likely share the same historical figure as a basis for their names. However, the Anglo-saxon christmas variant incorporates Norse mythology (gnomes, reindeer, winter solstice), while as the Dutch (and Belgian) variant bases itself more on the history of the bishop.
Apart from putting out their shoes, there is also Gift's night, the next day, where it is custom for people to write small poems accompanying the presents, and make funny surprise packages for each other.
Most children in Holland genuinly believe in the existance of Sinterklaas until they are 7-8 years old.
If you don't behave, he will put you in his bag and take you with him to Spain.
At Christmas, some families do another round of present-giving, some don't.
There is no involvement of Santaclaus at Christmas time, whatsoever.
Presents are not put in a sock, but, like in Russia, beneath the Christmas tree.
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