Lois wandered into the living room. "Clark? Have you seen my boots? I could have sworn I put them back into the shoe rack..."
Clark just came back inside with the morning edition of the Planet. “Good morning, Lois,” he said, handing her the small bag with a twinkle in his eye. “You should open this.”
Lois peeked inside, pulling out a tiny shoe ornament. She raised an eyebrow. “A shoe?”
Clark chuckled. “Today, we’re celebrating Sinterklaas from the Netherlands. It’s their version of St. Nicholas Day and it’s all about joy, surprises and the spirit of giving. In the Netherlands,” Clark explained, “children clean their shoes and leave them out on the evening of December 5th, hoping Sinterklaas will fill them with treats by morning.“
“So, is that why I can’t find my boots?”
Clark grinned. “Maybe Sinterklaas visited us too? Check by the fireplace.”
Sure enough, Lois found them there. Nestled inside were her favorite chocolate bars and a small, wrapped present.
“We’re going to the Netherlands for the day.” Clark said.
Lois blinked in surprise. “Wait, what? When?”
“Right after breakfast. It’s already midday over there, but we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. There’s a parade and celebrations with traditional songs. And maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll catch a glimpse of Sinterklaas himself.”
Lois’s grin widened. “A parade, chocolate and you whisking me off on a holiday adventure? Today you’ve outdone yourself again.”
---
Lois adjusted her scarf as they stepped out of a secluded alley near the center of Utrecht, the crisp December air carrying hints of spices and baked goods. The cobblestone streets stretched out before them, their facades decked in festive lights. She turned to Clark. “So, what’s the plan, farmboy?”
Clark grinned, his gloved hand taking hers as they strolled toward the city center. “I thought we’d start with the parade and see where the day takes us.”
They followed the sound of music toward the Oude Gracht, Utrecht’s historic canal. Crowds lined the streets, children clutching burlap sacks in anticipation of candy. The parade was a swirl of color and tradition. Sinterklaas, with his regal robes and golden staff, waved majestically from his horse as he made his way along the canal. His helpers, dressed in colorful costumes, tossed handfuls of pepernoten to the crowd.
Lois leaned in close to Clark. “Look at the kids, this is magic for them.”
Clark nodded, his eyes sparkling. “Sinterklaas is all about creating joy. It’s why I thought you’d love it.”
When the parade ended, they wandered to the bustling Vredenburg Market, where rows of stalls brimmed with seasonal delights and handmade crafts.
Further into the market, the air grew warmer with the scent of freshly baked goods. They bought cups of hot chocolate. “This is what winter dreams are made of,” she said, savoring the first sip.
Nearby, another stall displayed stacks of speculaas cookies and trays of golden banketstaaf. Clark bought some and returned offering her a bite. “Here, try this,” he said.
Lois took a bite, her eyes widening. “This is amazing. Sweet, but not too sweet. And the filling, what is that?”
“Almond paste,” Clark replied. “It’s a Sinterklaas tradition. Want another?”
Lois laughed, reaching for more. “No thanks, I don’t have your metabolism, at this rate I won’t fit into any of my outfits soon.”
They spent the afternoon browsing stalls and soaking in the festive atmosphere. As twilight fell, the city lights reflected off the canal waters, turning the scene into something out of a postcard.
“Thank you,” Lois said softly, slipping her arm through Clark’s.
“For what?” he asked.
“For being you. You're so thoughtful, creating all of these things, just to show me that Christmas can be more than just stress and chaos.”
Clark kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “Lois, you make it all worth it. Seeing you smile, hearing your laughter... That’s the best gift I could ever ask for.”
Lois tilted her head back, her eyes shining. “You’re not so bad yourself, Kent. But if you keep being this perfect, you’re setting the bar impossibly high for every Christmas after this.”
Clark chuckled, pulling her closer. “I’ll take that challenge.”
As they wandered past one of the final stalls, Clark stopped abruptly, his eyes catching on something. He guided Lois over, where a small display showcased hand-carved wooden figurines. Among them was a Sinterklaas holding the hand of a little child.
“It’s beautiful,” Lois said, reaching out to trace the delicate details.
Clark smiled, his voice soft. “Sinterklaas is a symbol of generosity and care for children, for bringing hope and joy. It reminds me that, no matter how uncertain the future feels, there’s always room for hope.”
Lois blinked, his words settling deep in her heart. She turned to him, her voice barely a whisper. “Clark...”
He spoke to the vendor and bought the figurine. Turning back to Lois, he placed it in her hands. “This is for us. A reminder of today and that love and kindness will always show us the way, no matter what.”
She looked up at him, her heart swelling. “How do you do it? Keep holding on to hope, even when...” Her voice caught, but she pushed on. “Even when it feels impossible?”
Clark reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch was steady, grounding. “Because I have you. With you, Lois, there’s nothing that feels impossible. We’ll find our way.”
Lois inhaled deeply, her eyes glistening as she stepped closer to him, her head resting against his chest. “You’re incredible, Clark Kent.”
“Not as incredible as you,” he murmured, holding her close.
As they walked along the glowing canal, the little gift nestled safely in Lois’s bag, she felt a quiet kind of joy. For the first time in months, the ache in her heart eased, replaced by the warmth of Clark’s unwavering belief in their future. And for the first time, she let herself believe, too.
