Sinterklaas more generous than Santa
Sinterklaas still seems more popular than Santa Claus. The Dutch intend to spend more on Sinterklaas presents than on Christmas gifts, a survey held by advisory bureau Ernst & Young shows.
On average, the thousand consumers questioned plan to spend 102 euros on Sinterklaas presents, compared with 74 euros for Christmas gifts. The total sum of 176 euros is about equal to the average December gift expenditure last year. In practice, however, consumers generally spend more than they intend, Ernst & Young reported yesterday.
Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands from Spain each year by steamboat to bring children presents on 5 December. The tradition, which also exists in Belgium, is said to have evolved into Santa Claus in other countries such as the US.
Giving gifts at Christmas was not customary in the Netherlands in the past, but after an increase in his popularity in the 1990s, Santa Claus has remained at a stable distance from Sinterklaas for some years.
The largest share (20 percent) of the combined Dutch Sinterklaas and Christmas budget is spent on toys. Besides this, CDs and DVDs are high on the wish list, especially for men.
Source: NIS News, 20 November 2007
