Every family celebrates Sinterklaas in their own unique way—and that's what makes it special. While adults debate traditions, children live for the magic: crafting detailed wish lists and the thrill of putting out their shoes. The excitement begins in mid-September when toy catalogs arrive, inspiring kids to create what they see as one of life's most important documents—their wish list. As parents ourselves, we've gathered stories from families like yours, revealing the diverse and creative ways you keep the holiday spirit alive.
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Many parents cherish the classic offline wish list, complete with cutouts and drawings from toy catalogs. Some let kids go wild, while others set gentle guidelines. Here's how it unfolds in homes across the country—and what's topping wish lists this year:
For digital options, several user-friendly platforms make it easy to build and share wish lists. We've covered the best ones in a dedicated blog post.
Enjoy these creative wish lists from our community! 😊
Once I realized my parents were the real Sinterklaas, my wish lists transformed. No longer sparing the 'poor old man,' I went big! How about your kids? Do they fill A4 sheets with dreams, or keep it to a select few?
As parents, approaches vary. Some let imagination run free—no rules, just pencils, colors, or catalog clippings. Even Bible-thick lists get the green light! Others cap pages to encourage mindful choices, though kids' creativity shines through anyway.
One reader wisely noted: It's a wish list, not a must-get list. Mieke's son unleashed endless ideas, while Fleur's daughter added helpful annotations for clarity.
Not only do lists differ, but parenting styles do too. Some impose no limits; others enforce structure. The key? Fostering joy while teaching that wishes aren't guarantees.
Shoe traditions vary widely. Do your kids set theirs out nightly? Do larger gifts sometimes appear?
One reader shared her kids felt left out when peers got daily treats, sparking comparisons. Avoid this by normalizing variety—Sinterklaas visits millions!
Tip: Allow daily shoe-setting, but not always fill them. Explain he's busy, but a drawing or carrot for the horse boosts chances. Swap gifts for mandarins or DIY 'horse poop' from gingerbread—memorable fun!
Tip: If nightly shoes aren't ideal, create or download a calendar to track visit nights clearly.
Some kids score big hauls, leaving others envious. Reassure them: Bigger isn't always better. Skip price talks; focus on fun.
Reader Tip: Explain Sinterklaas budgets equally, but some parents top up. 'Your recent birthday gift was amazing—plenty to celebrate!' This builds gratitude without comparison.
Younger kids favor hands-on crafting, but online lists are gaining traction despite skeptics. Simple sites let you compile and email lists, while stores offer built-in wish lists—perfect unless shopping across multiple sites.
