St Nicolas, patron of children,
sailors and the city of Amsterdam,
arrives by boat from Spain with his
white horse and his black helpers -
chimney sweeps - called Petes to
assist him. It is a busy time for
St Nick, crossing the roofs with
his horse while the Petes take the
presents down the chimneys.
Traditionally, the Petes also
scatter "pepernoten"
around for the kids.