Dutch Santa caught in the act on TV show as adults hide toys

A public television station in the Netherlands has faced backlash for allegedly disrupting a cherished national holiday custom for children. The broadcaster, NTR, was accused of revealing secrets about St. Nicholasthe figure who inspired Santa Clausthrough segments in one of its well-known festive programs.

On St. Nicholas Day (December 6), Dutch children traditionally find gifts and sweets in their shoes, a practice called Sinterklaas. According to folklore, St. Nicholas and his helpers, known as Black Pete, arrive from Spain by steamboat and deliver presents atop a white horse the evening before the holiday.

However, NTRs annual Sinterklaas Journal, usually viewed by children alongside their parents, showed adults actively hiding candies, purchasing presents, and scattering gingerbread, rather than featuring magical visitors. In the show, the helper Head Pete directly addresses the camera, instructing parents on how to sneak gifts into the home without their children noticing. He emphasizes the importance of secrecy, advising, Once you get home, you have to make sure no one hears you come in, while gesturing for silence. A mother is shown checking the surroundings before rushing upstairs with the hidden gifts, highlighting the need to keep packages well-concealed, such as in the master bedroom.

Another scene depicts a father pretending to leave the room before knocking on a door, posing as St. Nicholas himself. The inclusion of Black Pete figureshistorically integral to the Sinterklaas mythstirred strong reactions online, with many adults expressing dismay. One social media user, Monique, wrote that the broadcaster was busy ruining the whole Sinterklaas celebration. Others commented that the program had spoiled a beautiful celebration or deemed it extremely mean to reveal holiday surprises.

NTR responded to the criticism, claiming that social media clips misrepresented the show. A spokesperson stated, Excerpts and comments on social media can easily give a false impression. A closer look reveals that these are mainly misunderstandings and well-intentioned clumsiness.

The Sinterklaas tradition itself has faced previous controversy. Black Pete characters were traditionally depicted in full blackface, a practice now largely replaced by Sooty Pete, who appears with soot marks on the face to reflect chimney climbing, following criticism that the original portrayal was racially insensitive.

Author: Sophia Brooks