Christmas in the Netherlands is similar to the experience in other western, predominantly-Christian countries. It is typified by family gatherings, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the eating of fine food and drink and in some — but not all families — the giving of gifts.

Many expats staying here through the festive season will be pleasantly surprised by the familiarity of the Dutch Christmas and relieved perhaps by the absence of some of the more commercial traditions that go hand-in-hand with the festive season back home.

An early start to the festive season

The Dutch festive season officially starts of course with the arrival of Sinterklaas and his legion of Zwarte Piet helpers in mid-November. He arrives by boat from Spain to a different Dutch city every year in an event broadcast live on television.

The feast of Saint Nicolas is celebrated on 5 December and far from being threatened by his cousin from the North Pole, the tradition of Sinterklaas is rising in popularity. A record three out of five Dutch residents (60 percent) were thought to have celebrated Sinterklaas in 2003.

Research bureau TNO also said that families with children under 12 years of age are most likely to celebrate it with the exchange of gifts. The figures also indicated that four out of five families celebrated the 5 December tradition, which honours the birthday of Sinterklaas.

But when the December celebrations come and go, families, shops and businesses file away their Sinterklaas paraphernalia and immediately dust off last year's Christmas decorations. Lights, candles, wreaths, poinsettias and trees are strung, hung, tacked, taped and placed in every available space.   

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