It was bleak on Texel with a biting wind, but that did not stop thousands of children from giving Sinterklaas a warm welcome today in the port of Oudeschild. The cold was soon forgotten when the steamer finally appeared on shore.
The arrival was not without bumps: due to the strong wind, Sint and the Piets were forced to moor at a different location. The broken lighthouse light also caused some panic at sea. With the help of seal Maurice, the Goedlijkheidman eventually managed to reach the port.
Children, dressed as a lighthouse, boat or sheep, cheered loudly as soon as the packet boat was in sight. We danced and sang happily together with the Piets. Santa Claus completed the fun with a message for all children in the Netherlands. “You can all put your shoes on tonight!”