The secret Dutch side of Santa Claus

Sinterklaas has left the Netherlands on his steamboat and is probably recuperating by his pool in Spain.

But don’t worry, another bearded, red-clad old guy is already on display in every store window and movie on TV! You might not want anything to do with this poster boy of American capitalism but think again: because Santa Claus is actually a Dutchie. 🇳🇱

You might be thinking: Santa Claus, Dutch? What are you talking about; he’s from the North Pole! And you’re obviously right. But what many people don’t know is that Santa Claus actually originates from the Dutch version of the old man who brings presents, Sinterklaas.

The history of Santa

Sinterklaas comes from Sint Nicolaas, or Saint Nicholas, a Greek-Christian bishop back in the 4^th century.

He lived in Myra, Lycia, in the area that is now Turkey. Sint Nicolaas is well-known for his generous and secret gifts to the poor and became known in history as a patron saint for sailors and children. 🎁

Historians believe that Dutch immigrants in the 17^th century brought the Sinterklaas festivities with them when they went to the New World. There, he merged with other influences, foremost the English figure of Father Christmas.

Father Christmas is a merry old man just like Santa but does not bring gifts like Sinterklaas does; he only encourages adults to eat and drink (…like they need encouragement for that 👀).

READ MORE | A chocolate letter from Santa — the Sinterklaas way

Sinterklaas, together with Father Christmas, slowly merged into Santa Claus. The first mention of the Americanisation of Sinterklaas into Santa Claus was on December 23, 1773, when an issue of the New York newspaper Rivington’s Gazette stated:

“Last Monday, the anniversary of St. Nicholas, otherwise called Santa Claus, was celebrated at Protestant Hall, at Mr. Waldron’s, where a great number of sons of the ancient saint, the Sons of Saint Nicholas, celebrated the day with great joy and festivity.”

The popularity of St. Nicholas was further enhanced by the book “A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty” a satirical work written by Washington Irving in 1809, telling the world about the Dutch history of New York.

READ MORE | What happens during Christmas in the Netherlands? A guide to the winter holidays

In this book, St. Nicholas lost his bishop attire and was described as a jolly pipe smoker. 🚬

“The good St. Nicholas would often make his appearance in his beloved city on a holiday afternoon, riding jollily among the treetops or over the roofs of the houses, now and then drawing forth magnificent presents from his breeches pockets and dropping them down the chimneys of his favourites.”

The Santa Claus image

There are a few noticeable moments in history where Santa Claus turned into the figure he is today. Before these moments, there were many differences in the way he was depicted.

First of all, there was the poem published in 1823, “A visit from St. Nicholas”, also known as “The Night Before Christmas.”

The poem is later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, who was said to be influenced by the historical character of St. Nicholas.

Later contributions to the appearance of the Santa Claus we know today are the 19th-century cartoonist Thomas Nast and the Coca-Cola advertisements starring Santa Claus from the 1930s.

The differences between Santa & Sinterklaas

Throughout the years, Sinterklaas and Santa grew apart, and there are now some distinct differences between the two. While Sinterklaas is a somewhat distinguished elderly gentleman, Santa Claus is a prime example of festivity.

Sinterklaas has a lean physique, while Santa is shaking his belly “like a bowl full of jelly” while laughing. Sinterklaas sits on a horse while Santa is leaning back in his sleigh.

There’s also the difference in hometowns. Santa lives at the North Pole (hence the warm outfit), while Sinterklaas resides in Spain (no explanation for his outfit whatsoever — we assume he loses the robe while chilling next to the pool and wears swimming trunks instead).

Then there is the difference in transportation, helpers, hat, etc. Another noticeable difference: Sinterklaas is the bachelor type that you would imagine reading a good book in front of the fire late at night, while Santa cuddles up next to his Mrs. Claus to watch Jimmy Fallon. 🎅🤶📺

If you had to choose, would it be Sinterklaas or Santa Claus you’d keep? Let us know in the comments below. 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2016 and was updated in December 2023 for your reading pleasure.