While the beginning of December is a cheerful time during which we excitedly look forward to a sea or bush holiday and children’s Christmas wish lists, this time of year is also a time of nostalgia and missing loved ones abroad. During Christmas time we always think about children and grandchildren or brothers and sisters who are celebrating the festive season on their own on the other side of the world. This week we chat with Melani Young to find out how they celebrate Christmas in the Netherlands.
Are there interesting Christmas customs and traditions?
Yes, many. The festive season kicks off on 11 November and lasts until 1 January. 1 November marks the arrival of Sint Maarten (St. Martin). This causes great excitement among the young children. Neighbourhoods swarm with children walking from door to door with home-made lanterns who sing funny songs in exchange for treats. Sint Maarten has barely departed when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) makes his entrance with all his Piete (Peters) lined up. Sint Maarten’s birthday is on 6 December. For six weeks, children leave a shoe at the front door in the hopes that Sinterklaas and his Piete will leave a gift in their shoe.
On 5 December the Dutch give out gifts to family and friends, usually during a cosy meal or social gathering. It is called “Pakjesavond”. Traditionally the Christmas tree will only be put up and decorated after Pakjesavond. Most people use real Christmas trees. They are shaped so perfectly that they almost look like artificial trees. On a specific day early in January the streets are lined with old Christmas trees which are then removed by the municipality.
Do you still enjoy a traditional South African Christmas meal, or do you try new dishes? Are there special dishes unique to the Netherlands?
Yes, there are special dishes. So special that I am not likely to eat it or serve it to my family. I’m referring to stamppot and rookwors, to name but a few. There is a good reason why the Dutch are not famous for their cuisine. They can bake, but cooking is a whole different story. On Christmas Day we would much rather enjoy a nice braai or Sunday lunch with all the “trimmings”. This year we will host family from Canada for two weeks over the festive season and we are planning a good old South African braai with boerewors, chops and braaibroodjies.
Is Christmas celebrated by Christians in the Netherlands or do you have to make your own plans?
Many Dutch people attend a Christmas service at 23:00 on Christmas Eve. I find it strange, since most people here are not religious and do not otherwise attend church throughout the year. The word “Christen” (Christian) pronounced with a “k” and a “g” sound respectively, refers to different types of Christians. The language can sometimes be a challenge. We are part of a wonderful church and even have a South African pastor. There are also many South African families in our church and it is a huge blessing to be part of such a wonderful community.
Are there beautiful Christmas lights in your neighbourhood?
The Dutch go to a lot of trouble with lights in and around their homes. There are very few houses that don’t have Christmas lights – even if there are only a few lights in a single window. The streets and shops are also decorated with a lot of dedication and care. It looks festive and there is excitement in the air. With everything being rather dull here this time of year, the festive lights are an absolute pleasure to look at and it creates a cosy atmosphere. It is so nice to wander around Amsterdam and look at the lights, there are people everywhere despite the cold weather. Their chatter and laughter fill your ears and every now and then a whiff of marijuana will tickle your nostrils – that is Christmas in Amsterdam for you!
Do you hold on to the old traditional ways of celebrating Christmas or have you found new ways of celebrating?
For us, Christmas Day will always first and foremost be about the birth of Jesus Christ. That is what we celebrate, the rest comes secondary to that. My mother always used to say, “Test all things and hold on to what is good.” So, we have adopted the beautiful, good traditions, and we like to celebrate them with the rest of the Netherlands.
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