The essence of Calmness in Christmas in Netherlands

Christmas is Netherlands commence from the last Saturday of November. It is an elaborate festive season where people engage in the decoration of their houses and gardens with dazzling Christmas trees. The Christmas tree is better known as the Paradise Tree in Netherlands. Traditionally people prefer the real pine trees, but alternatively, the artificial trees can also suit the purpose. At times wooden Christmas pyramids are also built and ornamentally decorated with candles and evergreens. There are numerous varieties of tiny and colorful electric lights along with a wide array of other adornment materials like glass baubles, balls, stars and bells. Christmas in Netherlands is a highly decorative affair where every mall and local markets buzz with innumerable decoration items, gifts, snacks and music.

Being a national holiday, people in Netherlands like to attend the traditional church services during the day and the rest of the day is quietly spent with family and close friends. Netherlands is basically distinct due to the quietness of public life. Thereby, Christmas in Netherlands is free from high-spirited or loud celebrations. Banks, post offices and most of the shops remain closed for the people to enjoy a calm and private Christmas celebration. Only a few food stores or restaurants remain open and that too for a few hours. So people flock in these stores, and only those who have booked prior reservations can enjoy a special Christmas meal. There is also a shortage of public transport services during Christmas in Netherlands. Such an atmosphere can take a tourist by surprise, especially if he is an unaware or first-time visitor.

In some of the rural areas or the suburban towns, people are found to celebrate Christmas through the performance of the local actors. The Nativity scene is enacted where the local performers play the role of Mother Mary and St. Joseph. Christmas in Netherlands is also marked by the gift-giving traditions. According to the legends, the gifts are believed to have their origin in Saint Nicholas. The Eve of St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on or around December 5. The feast is held on December 6 and is a much awaited occasion for the children in particular. Being a land of sailors, Netherlands holds St. Nicholas in high esteem and he is considered to be the holy patron of the sailors. Children still believe that Black Peter, the helper of St. Nicholas, slides down the chimneys of their houses to stack gifts in the wooden shoes that they traditionally place by the hearth.

The lavish Christmas dinner traditionally comprises of smoked fish like salmon and eel, North Sea shrimps, roasted or stewed meat of duck, turkey, wild boar, beef or venison along with some exotic seasonal vegetables.