Almost Pakjesavond. Here are some tips to make it unforgettable!

• December 02 2024
• 9 min reading time

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The Sinterklaas celebration is just around the corner and the excitement is rising! Pakjesavond may well be the highlight of this festive period. But how do you ensure an unforgettable evening full of fun, presents and delicious treats? In this blog we will take you into the world of Sinterklaas and give you all the tips and tricks for a successful party. Whether you are an experienced Sinterklaas celebrant or are taking charge for the first time, here you will find everything you need to make it a great evening!

The preparations: The basis for a successful gift-giving evening

When do you start preparing?

Let's be honest: a good Sinterklaas party depends on the preparation. But when should you actually start? A good rule of thumb is to make the first plans about a month in advance. That way you have plenty of time to arrange everything without getting stressed.

• Make a to-do list
• Set a budget
• Determine the location
• Make a guest list

What do you need for a complete Sinterklaas party?

A successful package evening is about more than just presents. Here is an overview of the essential elements:

1. Santa Claus decoration
2. Sweets and treats
3. Gifts and surprises
4. Sinterklaas outfits or accessories
5. Games and activities
6. Music and entertainment

Don't forget to think about practical matters such as crockery, cutlery and enough seating for everyone.

How do you create the right atmosphere?

The atmosphere can make or break your Sinterklaas party. Here are some tips to create the perfect ambiance:

• Use warm colors like red, gold and brown in your decoration
• Place candles for a cozy glow
• Play traditional Sinterklaas songs in the background
• Hang up streamers and balloons
• Place a bowl of tangerines and gingerbread on the table

The presents: The beating heart of Christmas Eve

How do you wrap presents in an original way?

Packing is an art in itself! Here are some creative ideas:

• Use reusable wrapping paper for a sustainable twist
• Decorate your packages with ribbon, string or natural materials
• Make your own gift labels with funny Sinterklaas rhymes
• Wrap small gifts in large boxes for extra surprise
• Experiment with different shapes and layers

What are some fun ideas for surprises?

Surprises are the way to take the evening of presents to the next level. Some inspiring ideas:

1. A miniature workplace for the home worker
2. A homemade 'escape room in a box'
3. A personal 'newspaper' full of inside jokes
4. A 3D model of someone's favorite building or landmark
5. A homemade board game based on the recipient's life

How do you organize a successful surprise game?

A well-organized surprise game makes Christmas Eve extra special. Follow these steps:

1. Draw lots well in advance
2. Set a maximum amount for the gifts
3. Decide on a theme for the surprises (optional)
4. Make clear agreements about the delivery date and location
5. Make sure you have a neutral 'Santa Claus' who hands out the surprises

The treats: Indispensable at a real Sinterklaas party

Which traditional Sinterklaas treats should not be missed?

A Sinterklaas party without treats is like a beach without the sea. These classics are a must:

• Pepper nuts and spice nuts
• Chocolate letters
• Speculaas
• Marzipan
• Marshmallows
• Tough Tough

How do you make delicious Sinterklaas treats yourself?

There's nothing quite like homemade treats. Try:

1. Homemade gingerbread with a twist (think chocolate or nuts)
2. Homemade speculaas with almond paste
3. Personal chocolate letters with different toppings
4. A spectacular Sinterklaas trifle with speculaas and stewed pears

What are some fun ways to present the treats?

Make your treats a real party with these presentation tips:

• Use a cake stand for a chic look
• Make small 'shoe bags' filled with candy
• Create a 'candy tree' with treats hanging from branches
• Serve hot chocolate in mini chocolate 'cups'

The Activities: Keep your guests entertained

Which games are suitable for a Sinterklaas party?

Games add to the fun. Some suggestions:

1. Santa Claus Bingo
2. Gingerbread shuffleboard
3. Who am I with a Sinterklaas theme
4. Parcel relay
5. Santa Claus Karaoke

How do you involve children in the Sinterklaas celebration?

Make the party kid-friendly with these ideas:

• Organize a shoe-making contest
• Let children help bake gingerbread nuts
• Set up a 'Pietenschool' with fun assignments
• Hold a mini talent show for Sinterklaas

What are some original ways to give gifts?

Make the unpacking moment extra exciting:

• Organize a Sinterklaas scavenger hunt through the house
• Hide presents in a large bag full of fake presents
• Let everyone 'fish' for presents in a large barrel
• Make a gift piñata in the shape of Santa Claus

The Outfits: Dress Up for Extra Festive Fun

What Sinterklaas outfits are there for adults?

Dressing up isn't just for kids! Adult options:

1. The classic Sinterklaas (including mitre and staff)
2. Different types of Piets (from Chimney Sweep Piet to Head Piet)
3. A walking gingerbread or chocolate letter
4. A living surprise
5. A modern interpretation of Sinterklaas (think of a hip Saint in sneakers)

How do you make a simple Sinterklaas costume yourself?

With a little creativity you can transform yourself into a festive appearance:

• Use a red bathrobe as the basis for a Sinterklaas outfit
• Make a miter from sturdy cardboard and gold-colored paper
• Create Black Pete stripes with face paint or washable marker
• Cut a beard from white felt or cotton wool

What are some fun Sinterklaas accessories to complete the outfit?

The finishing touch completes your outfit:

• A large Santa Claus ring
• A golden staff (make one yourself from a broomstick)
• A jute bag for gifts
• A fake beard for the Saint-in-training
• Colored gloves for the Pieten

The Closing: Make it an unforgettable evening

How do you round off a successful Sinterklaas party?

A good ending is the icing on the cake:

1. Sing one last Sinterklaas song together
2. Hand out small parting gifts (such as a bag of gingerbread)
3. Take a group photo with all the guests in their outfits
4. Give a short speech to thank everyone
5. Plan the date for next year now!

What do you do with leftover treats and wrapping paper?

Be sustainable and creative:

• Donate leftover candy to charity
• Save beautiful wrapping paper for next year
• Make a delicious cheesecake from leftover speculaas
• Use leftover ribbon and paper for craft projects

How do you evaluate next year's party?

Learn from this experience for an even better party next year:

• Ask guests for feedback (what did they like, what could be improved?)
• Take notes on what worked well and what didn't
• Save successful recipes and game instructions
• Start a 'Santa Claus Idea Book' for future inspiration

With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, you are completely ready to organize the ultimate Sinterklaas party. From the first preparations to the last gingerbread, you now have all the ingredients for an unforgettable evening of presents. So put on your Piet costume, put on your miter and make it a fantastic party. Alaaf... oh no, that's carnival. Of course we mean: Listen who's knocking there children!

View our Sinterklaas clothing and accessories here

Discover fun gift tips for Christmas Eve

Find the perfect outfit for the Sinterklaas party

Celebrating Sinterklaas: Keeping a Dutch tradition alive

Why is the Sinterklaas celebration so important in the Netherlands?

The Sinterklaas festival is deeply rooted in Dutch culture. It brings families and friends together, stimulates creativity and gives a warm glow to the dark December days. By celebrating the festival, we not only keep a tradition alive, but we also create new memories for the next generation.

How can you modernize the Sinterklaas celebration without losing its essence?

Traditions evolve, and so does the Sinterklaas celebration. Some ideas to make the celebration contemporary:

1. Introduce sustainable elements, such as reusable decorations
2. Organize a digital Sinterklaas celebration for family at a distance
3. Make surprises with recycled materials
4. Choose an inclusive approach to the figures of Sinterklaas and Piet
5. Combine traditional elements with modern technology (think of a Santa app or virtual treasure hunt)

By being open to innovation, we ensure that the Sinterklaas celebration remains relevant and loved for all generations.

So, are you ready to organize the best Sinterklaas party ever? With these tips and ideas, you can't help but succeed. Remember that in the end, it's all about the coziness, the warmth and the togetherness. Whether you choose a traditional approach or a modern twist, with the right preparation and a good dose of enthusiasm, your package evening is guaranteed to be a success. Have fun and a happy Sinterklaas party!

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