Located in the northern part of South America, Suriname is a country that borders the North Atlantic Ocean. It is between French Guiana and Guyana and is directly north of Brazil. Suriname shares its Christmas traditions with The Netherlands, as it was a Dutch colony until 1975. The pre-Christmas season in Suriname is marked by the arrival of St. Nicholas on December 5th, also the eve of his birthday. St. Nicholas, an elderly white man, arrives by ship with a white horse and a group of Black servants. After Suriname gained independence, St. Nicholas transformed into a Black man, known as Goedoe Pa or Dearest Daddy. His servants remained Black. Children in Suriname place cookies and milk for Goedoe Pa and his Black servants instead of leaving hay and carrots in their shoes for St. Nicholas' horse. The presents are found next to the children's shoes on the morning of December 6th, with poems attached.
Unlike Holland, the Christmas celebration in Suriname is more elaborate and similar to the festivities in the United States. The celebration lasts two days, December 25th, Christmas Day, and December 26th, known as Tweede Kerstdag. Both days are national holidays, and offices, factories, and schools remain closed. The main focus of the holiday is the birth of Christ's child. Families attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. After church, they enjoy opening gifts at home while hosting an "open house" for friends and neighbors throughout the day and into the next. Almost every Suriname household has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights, tinsel, and ornaments. The trees are often placed in a prominent position in the home, visible from the outside. The festive holiday atmosphere is further enhanced by the exquisite ethnic foods prepared and shared with family and friends.
