The tradition of setting out a shoe (or “schoentje zetten”) is a beloved custom in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany during Sinterklaas, celebrated from late November up until St. Nicholas’ Eve on December 5. Children place one of their shoes near the fireplace, door, or window and sing traditional Sinterklaas songs, hoping that Sinterklaas and his helper, Piet, will stop by to leave small treats in their shoes. This tradition typically includes putting out a carrot or some hay for Sinterklaas’s horse, Amerigo (or Ozosnel in newer tales), to “encourage” him to stop at their house.
The custom of shoe-setting is thought to date back to medieval times and is linked to stories of Saint Nicholas as a patron of children and the poor, who would secretly leave coins in shoes to help those in need. In keeping with this, children may place small notes for Sinterklaas, asking for gifts or simply expressing their excitement, along with occasional drawings or poems.
Sinterklaas fills these shoes with seasonal treats like chocolate letters, gingerbread-like cookies called pepernoten, marzipan, or small toys. This ritual takes place multiple times in the weeks leading up to December 5, building anticipation and making it one of the most magical and cherished aspects of the holiday for families in these regions.
Wanna know what Dutch Sinterklaas treats look like? Check out these sites.
