Gift from the Heart

A former soap actor who treats life with a wink but secretly longs for meaningful connection. He brings a playful, improvisational energy to the marketing venture and becomes a focal point in the love triangle with Niek and Julia. He also babysits Lars, showing a softer, responsible side beneath his flippant exterior.

A traditional, workaholic family man who is separated from his wife Karin and drawn to Julia. He embodies a mix of stubborn pride and genuine care for his family, and he becomes the other half of the romantic tension with Tom and Julia. His role as Santa in the Sinterklaas setup adds a performative layer to his character.

Niek's wife, navigating a painful divorce while trying to hold the family together. She experiences a momentary rekindling with Tom and confronts the conflict between personal desire and family loyalty. Her arc leads toward reconciliation with Niek and a renewed partnership by the end.

An American marketing strategist sent to the Netherlands to promote cola during Sinterklaas. She initially keeps business separate from romance, but her actions—especially a staged kiss with Niek—spark the love triangle. Her ultimate choice leans toward a future with Tom, balancing career ambitions with personal happiness.

The elder figure of the family who struggles with dementia and occasionally believes he is Sinterklaas. His condition introduces a poignant, paternal influence over the siblings and the holiday’s symbolism. He acts as a stern, loving reminder of tradition and family duty.

The man Karin meets on a date, who becomes a rival figure in the love dynamics. He represents external temptation and the complexities of relationships outside the immediate family circle. His presence heightens the emotional stakes for Karin and Niek.

The couple's child, whose wish for his parents to rekindle their relationship serves as a quiet, hopeful thread through the film. He witnesses adult struggles and the televised spectacle, adding a child’s perspective to the holiday's emotional core.