Sinterklaas directly inspired the American Santa Claus through Dutch traditions, literature, and visual reinterpretations that transformed a solemn saint into a jolly gift-giver. The roots of Santa Claus trace back to Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas. Dutch settlers brought the Sinterklaas tradition to New Amsterdam (now New York) in the 17th century. Sinterklaas was depicted as a tall, dignified bishop in red robes, arriving by boat from Spain and riding a white horse to deliver

Sinterklaas drill