How to Have a Simple Dutch Style Christmas: Cozy Traditions for a Calm Holiday Season.
If you’re dreaming of a calm, cozy, and meaningful Christmas, look no further than the Netherlands for inspiration. A Dutch-style Christmas focuses on togetherness, simple pleasures, and “gezelligheid” — that wonderfully untranslatable Dutch word meaning warmth, coziness, and connection.
Here’s how to celebrate Christmas the Dutch way — with less stress, fewer to-dos, and more genuine joy.
How to Have a Simple Dutch Style Christmas
1. Embrace “Gezelligheid” — The Dutch Art of Coziness
At the heart of a Dutch Christmas is gezelligheid (pronounced heh-SELL-ick-hide). It’s about creating a cozy atmosphere and cherishing the company of loved ones.
How to do it:
-
Light candles everywhere — the soft glow sets the mood.
-
Turn off harsh lights and play soft music.
-
Serve hot drinks and gather around the table.
-
Focus on being together, not perfect.
2. Celebrate Sinterklaas on December 5th – a Dutch Style Christmas
Before Christmas, the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaasavond (St. Nicholas Eve) on December 5th. This is when families exchange gifts, poems, and laughter.
Simple Sinterklaas ideas:
-
Fill shoes with small gifts or sweets like chocolate letters.
-
Write funny rhyming poems that tease the recipient.
-
Enjoy pepernoten (tiny spiced cookies) and hot cocoa.
By celebrating early, the Dutch keep Christmas itself quiet and peaceful.
3. Keep Christmas Meals Simple and Shared
Dutch families often have gourmetten — a relaxed meal where everyone cooks small bites of meat, fish, or veggies on a tabletop grill. It’s casual, social, and fun.
How to recreate it:
-
Set up a small grill or raclette pan.
-
Prepare small bowls of ingredients.
-
Everyone cooks and eats together — no big roast or stress!
Other Dutch Christmas foods include:
-
Kerststol (Christmas bread filled with almond paste)
-
Speculaas (spiced cookies)
-
Oliebollen (fried dough balls, usually for New Year’s)
4. Decorate Naturally and Minimally
Dutch homes at Christmas tend to be simple yet elegant. Think understated rather than over-the-top.
Decorate the Dutch way:
-
A real Christmas tree with warm white lights.
-
Wooden ornaments and straw stars instead of glitter.
-
A wreath or greenery at the door.
-
Candles in windows and simple table centerpieces.
Less clutter means more calm — and more room for gezelligheid.
Slow Down and Be Present
A Dutch-style Christmas is about slowing down and enjoying simple moments:
-
Take a winter walk or bike ride through nature.
-
Visit a local Christmas market for handmade treats.
-
Spend time playing games or sharing stories by the fire.
-
Forget perfection — focus on presence.
Give Small, Thoughtful Gifts
The Dutch avoid excessive consumerism. Gifts are usually small, practical, or handmade, wrapped beautifully but simply.
Gift ideas:
-
A jar of homemade jam
-
A cozy pair of socks
-
A handwritten letter or poem
-
A candle or plant
Remember, it’s the thought that counts — not the price tag.
Final Thoughts: A Simpler, Warmer Way to Celebrate
A simple Dutch style Christmas invites you to trade stress for simplicity, noise for calm, and clutter for coziness. By focusing on connection, candlelight, and meaningful traditions, you’ll rediscover the real magic of the holidays.
Light the candles. Share the cookies. Celebrate together — the Dutch way.
