How do the Dutch celebrate Christmas?

In the Netherlands, people celebrate Christmas both on the 25th and the 26th of December. During Dutch Christmas people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food.

What is the Dutch version of Christmas?

Sinterklaas refers to two things. Firstly, it is the name for the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus — except this one's from Spain for some reason. Secondly, it refers to the actual holiday —also the Dutch version of Christmas — which takes place on 5 December.

Do the Dutch have Christmas stockings?

Rather than hanging stockings, well-behaved Dutch children leave wooden shoes out for Sinterklaas to fill. They often leave carrots, hay, or sugar cubes for Sinterklaas' horse along with a poem or letter for him.

How do the Dutch celebrate holidays?

Birthdays are greeted with enthusiasm in Dutch culture. Family and friends will probably visit, call or send a card. Among the Dutch, instead of people showering the birthday person with special treats, it is the birthday person's place to treat those around him or her.

What are some Dutch traditions?

How do the DUTCH celebrate CHRISTMAS?

What do Dutch children put out on Christmas?

Dutch children put out Christmas shoe instead of stockings. Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are ready to be cut. Christmas was first an official holiday in 1870 in the US. Santa was first known as a stern and strict man rather than jolly.

What is considered rude in the Netherlands?

It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum. Knock before entering a room if the door is shut. Standing with your hands in your pockets can be considered impolite. Compliments are usually given in private directly to the person that deserves them.

What do the Dutch eat at Christmas?

Dutch Christmas dinners usually consist of venison, goose, hare, or turkey with plenty of vegetables and Kerstbrood (Christmas bread). The Dutch also celebrate by eating gourmetten, a hot plate on which diners place a set of mini pans containing their choice of meat or vegetables.

Why does the Netherlands have 2 Christmas days?

Many people in the Netherlands observe the second day of Christmas, which falls on December 26. It is a continuation of the Christmas holiday or a chance to spend time outdoors or with family or friends. It is also Saint Stephen's Day.

How do you say Santa Claus in the Netherlands?

Santa Claus → Sinterklaas, Kerstman.

What decorations do the Netherlands use for Christmas?

This means that Christmas in the Netherlands is really about ambiance. People buy Christmas trees, and decorate them with kerstkransjes (Christmas wreath cookies), glass balls, gilded nuts, ribbons, glittery pine cones, frosted bells, and red and white candles.

Do Dutch people give gifts?

The Dutch do not like to feel obligated. Moreover, as an aspect of their even-handed approach to most things in life, they do not expect to give or receive anything other than the due reward for services rendered. As a result, gift giving is not a common aspect of business relationships in the Netherlands.

Is Santa Claus Dutch?

The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas).

Are Santa Claus and Sinterklaas the same person?

Technically both Sinterklaas and Santa Clause are the same figure, both based on Saint Nicholas of Myra. Hence they should, in theory, be of the same age, which would be 1737 (given that Nicholas was born in 270 A.D).

Does the Holland Santa Claus use a sleigh?

Sinterklaas rides on a white horse and delivers the presents in shoes lined up by the fireplace. Santa rides a sleigh drawn by reindeers and travels through the sky. He delivers the presents in Christmas socks hanging by the fireplace.

What is the biggest gift ever given in the world for Christmas?

The world's largest gift was the Statue of Liberty.

The people of France gave it to the US in 1886. It's 151 feet, 1 inch high and weighs 225 tonnes.

What is the Dutch national dish?

Stamppot – Now here's a twist on your mashed potatoes! This national dish of the Netherlands is a comfort food you need in your life. Potatoes mashed with other veggies and typically topped with smoked sausage, stamppot is a simple and humble dish.

What is December 5th in the Netherlands?

Saint Nicholas' Eve and Saint Nicholas' Day

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas' Eve, 5 December, became the chief occasion for gift-giving during the winter holiday season. The evening is called Sinterklaasavond ("Sinterklaas evening") or Pakjesavond ("gifts evening", or literally "packages evening").

What is the national drink of the Netherlands?

Jenever - the alcoholic beverage flavoured with juniper berries - is a traditional drink from the Netherlands. Jenever (also commonly spelled as genever) has a long history in the Netherlands.

What is a typical Dutch personality?

The Dutch are known to be very direct and opinionated, generally happy, realistic, punctual, and greedy. Besides, the Dutch really like to split bills, have an early dinner, and they love to complain. Even though every person is unique, Dutch people seem to have common behavioral patterns that stand out.

Are Dutch people nice?

The Dutch people are friendly

One of the best things to experience when you're in an unfamiliar environment is friendly people. Fortunately, the Dutch people are open, welcoming and don't hesitate to engage when they pass you on the street.

How do you celebrate Sinterklaas?

Families celebrate Sinterklaas' Feast by singing songs and indulging in a feast of their own, which consists mainly of sweets like marzipan, chocolate initials, pepernoten (ginger biscuits) and hot chocolate with whipped cream. On Saint Nicholas Day on 6 December, Sint departs from the Netherlands.

What country uses shoes instead of stockings?

Iceland During the Christmas season, children leave their shoes on the windowsill. Thirteen mythical elves called Jolasveinar visit one at a time over thirteen days to leave gifts in the shoes of the good children. Bad children receive potatoes!