Sinterklaas, we moeten praten
Yes, dear sweet Saint, this is a letter from the exceptional category. No long cash register wish list (even though I won't turn down that bag from Wandler), but a heartfelt word. I want to talk about your timing, if you have a minute.
Point one, you arrive on November 17. Point two, gift evening is on December 5. That means that fathers and mothers are running around for 18 nights with carrots, ginger nuts, and spilling water for Amerigo on the too expensive cast floor. That’s exhausting and actually a bit unkind. At work, the boss marches behind them, because the targets must be met and then they have to stand in line at your toy supplier on their free Saturday. What I said: the timing.
Point three: the draw. Now I am very lucky that my family does not do surprises, because they know that I can't get further than a toffee made from the parts of a shoebox, but those draws are a thing. The preparations for the draw itself already take about five hours in the family app. Whether Jantje, Pietje, and Klaasje can also press the right button. After that, there’s an extra app for the wish lists, because that of lootjestrekken.nl is monopolized by one of your gift suppliers, and we want to be free in our gift choices. The app in question has been buzzing for three weeks with wishes and there’s still no closing line on paper.
Brings me to point four. With one target on your neck, carrots for Amerigo under your arm, and a buzzing app in your bag, we also have to whip up a high-quality poem. ‘Saint was thinking’ is a forbidden sentence in our family and the minimum is one A4 page in font size nine. NINE, dear Saint. My family actually thinks I have an advantage because I write, which means I can't just get away with a silly poem.
That other man with the beard is point five. He wins a bit in terms of timing because he brings up the birth of Jesus. Believe me, otherwise I would have sent him a strong letter. Between the ginger nuts and poetic freedom, we receive the menu in the Christmas app. Because your sister is making braised duck (no idea if a duck can be braised by the way) as the main course, you also have to show a bit of your chef-like side with the dessert, resulting in things that need to set, which cannot be set. And oh yes, the surprise for the Sinterklaas party at school: don’t forget, don’t forget.
What my point actually is? Not to be ungrateful, but it would be great for our planning if you steam this way a month earlier next year. Just for peace and quiet.
