Dutch children around the world will celebrate the saint best known for his gift giving today.

Sinterklaas is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on the night before Saint Nicholas Day, which is December 6th, in the Netherlands and many other European countries.

Former president of Pella Historical Society Eunice Folkerts has traveled to the Netherlands frequently over the years, and says the tradition has changed as the culture has, but many of the core practices remain in tact.

“The custom of course is that you be sure to put your wooden shoes outside of the door at night, because you’ve got to have something very special for St. Nicholas, but also his horse,” she says.

She says kids will leave carrots in the shoes, and often wake up to find sweets the next morning.