When Sint Nicholaas' steam boat gets stuck on the IJsselmeer on it's way to Holland, a young girl named Annabel and an old skipper called Eeltje Steur come to the rescue. When asked what kind of present Annabel would like to receive in her shoe on December 5th, she replies 'A house'.

The film is about four children of Spanish parents: Raimón, Fina, Isa, and Maribel. These children were born here, but their names were not listed in the Big Book of Sinterklaas. So the Head Piet says that they do not exist and that they will therefore not receive any presents.

Martijn receives little attention from his parents, who run a village bazaar, and is often left to his own devices. He has plenty of imagination, but cannot live up to the expectations placed on him. If he fails his school exams, he will be doomed. Only his grandfather in the retirement home understands him and listens to his stories. When a film crew arrives in his hometown to shoot a fairy tale movie, Martijn is chosen for the lead role and his grandfather is given the role of wizard.