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Dutch TV Accused of Spoiling Sinterklaas After Show Reveals Adults Hiding Gifts

05:41 AM, 12/02/2025
Dutch TV Accused of Spoiling Sinterklaas After Show Reveals Adults Hiding Gifts

NTR faced backlash after clips from its Sinterklaas Journal showed adults buying and hiding gifts, with a character advising parents how to slip toys into the house without being noticed. Viewers accused the broadcaster of spoiling the magic for children, while NTR said social media excerpts gave a misleading impression. The controversy comes amid an ongoing national debate about the portrayal of Sinterklaas' helpers, historically known as "Black Pete," which many parades have replaced with a "Sooty Pete" depiction.

A Dutch public broadcaster has been criticised after a popular seasonal programme aired footage that appeared to show adults hiding presents and sweets, prompting viewers to say the show had revealed how the Sinterklaas celebration is staged.

This year’s edition of the long-running Sinterklaas Journal included scenes of relatives buying gifts, hiding packages and scattering gingerbread — moments that some felt replaced the traditional magical narrative of Saint Nicholas and his helpers.

What aired

In one segment a character known as "Head Pete" speaks directly to camera and offers practical tips to parents on how to slip toys into the house without children noticing. In another clip a parent checks the house is quiet before dashing upstairs to hide packages, and a father briefly leaves a room and then knocks on a door pretending to be St Nicholas.

"Once you get home, you have to make sure no one hears you come in," the character says, raising a finger to his lips.

Public reaction

The excerpts sparked a swift reaction on social media, with many viewers saying the broadcaster had "ruined the magic" of the holiday for children. Some described the segments as mean or disappointing, arguing that the programme undermined a cherished family tradition.

Broadcaster response

The broadcaster acknowledged the criticism but said short clips shared online gave a misleading impression. A spokesperson said: "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."

Context

The Sinterklaas celebration has been the subject of debate in recent years over the portrayal of the saint's helpers, historically referred to as "Black Pete," who were traditionally depicted in full blackface. Following campaigns that criticised the imagery as racist, many parades now present the helpers as "Sooty Pete," with chimney-smudged faces rather than full blackface.

The episode has reignited conversation in the Netherlands about how best to balance preserving tradition with protecting the sense of wonder for children and respecting cultural sensitivities.

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