On the Dutch threshold of 2021!

Each season has its specialties and with specialties come special words. In this article you can learn a few words to socialize you through the month December.

Prettige Kerstdagen!

Just in case you did not know, the word ‘prettig’ does not mean ‘pretty’. Although Christmas can be pretty challenging, with this phrase the Dutch wish you a pleasant time with your beloved ones around the Christmas tree. Instead, in case you are an atheist or a religious globalist, wanting to keep it more neutral, you could say as well ‘Fijne feestdagen’, meaning ‘Happy Holidays’. Anyway, where there is a Christmas tree, there is a song. The most famous song to sing along and that every Dutch knows is:

O Dennenboom
O dennenboom, o dennenboom
Wat zijn je takken wonderschoon
Ik heb je in het bos zien staan
Toen zaten er geen kaarsjes aan
O dennenboom, o dennenboom
Wat zijn je takken wonderschoon

Oh Pine Tree
Oh Pine tree, oh Pine tree
What are your branches beautiful
I’ve seen you in the woods
Back then, there were no lights attached
Oh Pine tree, oh Pine tree
What are your branches beautiful

Oliebollen en appelflappen

Don’t forget to buy your ‘poedersuiker’ (powdered sugar) for this special Dec 31^st evening, as you will need this as a finishing touch for your oliebollen en appelflappen. We would recommend you to try the homemade oliebollen, which many Dutch families cherish as a precious tradition. The Dutch wouldn’t be the Dutch if there was no contest; each year there is a merry winner for ‘Beste Oliebol Van Het Jaar’, which is the ‘Oliebollentest voor bakkers en kraamhouders’. As a baker or stall holder you can sign up to join the contest and a committee of experts that will announce the proud winner, who will see his turnover double. Read more about on the following link: http://www.oliebollentestonline.nl

Drinks, wishes and New Year’s resolutions

Along with your oliebollen, a midnight Champagne will do! For non-alcoholics there are plenty of alternatives to fill your festival glass with. What to say when the moment is there and you raise your glass? Gelukkig Nieuwjaar, Beste Wensen, en een Goede Gezondheid, Veel Geluk in het Nieuwe Jaar, een Voorspoedig Nieuwjaar, Dat Al Je Wensen Vervuld Mogen Worden, een Liefdevol Nieuwjaar.

For those who are ambitious, you can start a conversation ‘Wat zijn je Nieuwjaarsvoornemens?’, which is ‘What are your New Year’s resolutions?’. Besides the cliché’s of stopping with drinking, smoking, eating, sitting, being online too much – this is ‘the glass is half full’ category – there are many other creative options. Find something that Covid-19, or any pandemic cannot stop you fulfill dreams and plans. Be original! Wees origineel!

Oudejaarsavond versus New Year’s Eve

The English call it ‘New Year’s Eve’, the French ‘Réveillon de Nouvel an’, the Spanish ‘Vispera de Año Nuevo, the German ‘Silvester’. The Dutch call Dec 31^st ‘Oudjaarsdag’ and the evening is called ‘Oudejaarsavond’, until midnight when ‘Nieuwjaarsdag’ begins. Since a couple of years around the time of December 31^st, the Netherlands changes into a sort of warzone, with firework (ignited colorful lights) to sound into the new year with a majestic ‘BANG’. Besides there are more friendly, elegant and social ways the Dutch celebrate this time of the year, especially in smaller towns and communities. January 1^st is not the beginning of a new year for everyone, just check the list of countries, cultures and traditions below! (all in Dutch but google translate can certainly help you out)