Sinterklaas, Dutch Version Of Santa, Delights During Visit To LI
NORTH FORK, NY — A bit of Christmas magic blanketed the North Fork Monday as Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of jolly old St. Nick, paid a visit to Southold.
But in the weeks before his visit, Sinterklaas knew he wanted to make the experience even more wondrous for the family he visits each year. He was able to do so, with the help of Kerry Daly Ruggi, who, in a twist fitting the most snow-dusted Hallmark movie, owns a horse named . . . Joy.
Sinterklaas has visited the family every year, carrying on their Dutch traditions — and this year, he brought along Joy, to the kids’ delight.
Find out what's happening in North Forkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The traditions are beloved: According to the Brussels Times, on December 5, children in Belgium leave a shoe in the living room and the next morning, if they’ve been good, they’ll find presents, chocolate, marzipan and tangerines.
On December 6, Sinterklaas brings presents to well-behaved children in Belgium, the Brussels Times said.
Find out what's happening in North Forkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
His origins come from Nicholas of Myra, a Greek bishop who lived in the fourth century AD; in Belgium, he is thought of “as a stately old man with a long white beard and long hair,” the publication added. His clothing, too, resembles a bishop’s uniform, the publication said.
At night, Sinterklaas and his horse travel across people’s roofs, coming down the chimney to leave presents, the Brussels Times said.
That’s why a horse had to be found on the North Fork. Knowing that Sinterkaas was looking for his four-footed companion — he’d enlisted the help of locals to pitch his appeal on Nextdoor — Daly Ruggi said at least four people had called her to suggest Joy for the role.
Click Here: women football tracksuits
“As soon as I heard there was a need, I knew I had the horse for him,” she said. “My horse’s name is Joy — and she’s a 24-year old mare who has done it all.”
The house Sinterklaas was visiting was less than a mile from the barn where Joy lives. “It was meant to be,” she said.
Joy couldn’t have done better on the big day, dressed up in red for her Christmas mission of love.
“She knew her job, walking calmly with Sinterklaas,” Daly Ruggi said. “The sun was setting; Sinterklaas’s eyes were glistening. It really was a magical Christmas moment.”
Added a family friend: “Seeing those kids’ excitement and the look on Sinterklaas’s face was worth so much. I am so grateful for Kerry to make this happen. It’s something the entire family will never forget.”
After the big day, Daly Ruggi kept the magic alive awhile longer, taking Joy for a ride on Kenneys Beach, to the delight of onlookers who shared a common refrain — seeing a horse at sunset on the North Fork beach was nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
