Pakjesavond Revenge
Pakjesavond is always a lot of fun. It might be the evening when Sinterklaas delivers all his presents to the children of Holland but it is also an opportunity for older family members to play pranks on each other with joke gifts and fun poems. For my Dutch family-in-law it is specifically a chance for them to highlight my unintentional mistakes and mishaps made throughout the year.
On the first pakjesavond I celebrated with them I received over 20 toothbrushes, individually wrapped, ranging from child to adult toothbrushes, all because on the first weekend I’d visited I had forgotten to bring my own toothbrush. A few years later I was given a survival bag as a way of making fun of my accident prone nature (which they had become very familiar with).
So when my Dutch mother-in-law specifically requested no candles or candle related items this year (because she gets them every year) I knew my chance for revenge was at hand. I decided not to listen to her request. I decided to do the opposite and made this…
It’s a life size replica of Sinterklaas’ staff. The only difference between this one and the real one is that this one is made of paper and card. It is also filled with 106 tea light candles. The moment it was opened all 106 candles fell out on to the ground.
Revenge is a dish best served on Pakjesavond.
And you were such a sweet child.
Holland has changed me :p
Oh no what did you do?
This gives here the right next year to give you all her unwanted candles and related items AND everything else she does not want.
You will get a small packet where you think there is not harm and the only content is a note that states “check your car” or “go to your attic”.
There you will find all that rubbish together with a poor imitation of Sinterklaas, but damm that smile on his face.
Well-played, Sir. Well-played. (That was hilarious!)
LOVE IT! I also love that it’s the wrapping that’s the most important. Even the young men (14/15 years) were happy to receive dull socks because they were wrapped so creatively!