[Video] How do the Dutch celebrate Christmas?
By Victoria Séveno
Countries all around the world have their own unique traditions and customs when it comes to the festive season, and the Netherlands is no different. Moving here and celebrating your first Christmas in the Netherlands, you might be struck by the way things are different here to how they are in your home country.
Dutch Christmas traditions
So, how do the Dutch celebrate the holiday? What food do they eat? How do they decorate their homes? And what do other expats living in the Netherlands think about these traditions?
Tweede Kerstdag and gourmetten are likely terms that you hadn’t heard before moving to the Netherlands. With Sinterklaas serving as the main gift-giving winter holiday - especially for (young) children - Christmas here serves a different purpose, centering around food and family.
How do you celebrate Christmas? Are there any Dutch Christmas traditions that you and your family have adopted? Let us know in the comments below!
Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association in London. She has a love for all things movies, animals, and food. Read more