Sinterklaas

For me, being in an environment with ubiquitous biking, small grocery shops, and non-judgmental attitudes toward many social issues is totally natural.

One thing that I've found rather odd, though, is the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas, or Sinterklaas. In the Netherlands and Belgium, Sinterklaas is accompanied by Black Peter, a black helper who helps deliver gifts. In December, legions of Dutch people dress up as "Zwarte Piete" using a black face costume that has been considered somewhat inappropriate in the U.S. since the 1960's. Needless to say, it's a fascinating sociological phenomenon to witness:

And thanks to Loren for reminding me that David Sedaris actually had a nice commentary on this: