Sinterklaas Origins Closely Tied to Santa’s Story | KNIA KRLS Radio

While most kids will spend their Christmas morning opening gifts from Santa Claus, his counterpart from the Netherlands made his traditional visit earlier this month. Sinterklaas, or the Dutch version of St. Nicholas, is one of the sources of the popular Christmas icon of Santa Claus. Valerie Van Kooten, administrator of the State Historical Society of Iowa, says there are many direct adaptations from the old tales to how Santa is celebrated today. In the Netherlands, St. Nichola’s Day is celebrated on the eve of December 5th and on the 6th.