How Does Dutch Christmas Differ From American Christmas?
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Food
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Traditional Dutch Christmas fare consists of many sweets, including cookies called kerstkrans and speculaas, letterbankets (cakes shaped in the initial of a family's last name), kerststol (breads made with almond paste), boiled chestnuts garnished with marzipan, butter and salt and Oliebollen, which are like donuts. For the large dinners, roast goose is usually served, though venison and rabbit are also popular entrees.
Santa Claus
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The Dutch recognize their own version of Santa Claus, called Sinterklaas. He is said to arrive in the Netherlands by a steam ship that transports him from Spain. This version of St. Nicholas is taller and slimmer than the American version, and he wears a red, bishop-like robe and hat. Once in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas rides a white horse instead of traveling in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Sinterklaas also has a helper, named Black Peter, who rides a mule and slides down chimneys to fill the Dutch clogs that children leave by the fireplace with small gifts. Because he slides down chimneys, Black Peter has a black, soot-covered face.
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Dates
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In the Netherlands, Christmastime celebrations start on December 5, which is called Sinterklaas Avond, or the Eve of St. Nicholas. A large dinner, or fest, is held, and children receive presents in their shoes. Extended families gather together on December 6, the day after immediate families have had their own special dinners. December 25 is still recognized as Christmas Day. The Dutch celebrate it by opening presents, doing to church and having a late dinner with family. December 26 is also a holiday in the Netherlands. Many use this day to again gather with extended family and friends, though some use it to mark the new year and hold the types of festive celebrations that you would see in America on December 31.
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Resources
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