My first Christmas abroad. My first winter Christmas, ever. My first Christmas without my family.

I am a nostalgic person.

Christmas time makes me believe in fantasy, like a kid. It feels weird to be abroad this Christmas. For me, this is exciting to have my first winter Christmas. But it also feels different knowing that I won’t be swimming or “braaing” (BBQ) with the family.

This year we will start with new traditions, ones involving visiting Christmas markets and just embracing the new Christmas culture.

We bought Christmas decorations, and are still searching for a real Christmas tree (I usually decorate the tree on the 1st of December)

In the Netherlands, the Christmas decor is more focused on the actual market or inside the home. Most homes don’t display lights only Christmas decor. (Our house is probably the most decorated house in the street.)

Christmas is celebrated on an entirely different day. St. Nicholas’ day (Sinterklaas) is on the 6th December, but in The Netherlands, the celebration of Sinterklaas is held on the 5th December (Pakjes Avond). It is when St. Nicholas’ comes to put gifts in your shoe. This is not to be confused with Santa Claus. This is remembering Nicholas of Myra who dies on this day in 346, who secretly gave gifts to children.

Christmas Eve 24th (Kerstavond) the Dutch attend a church service and spend time with family. December 24 is traditionally not a day to exchange gifts in the Netherlands.

Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated over two days: 25 and 26 December, described as First and Second Christmas Day. This was a new to me, as I am used that the 24th and 25th are when Christmas is celebrated.  Instead, Christmas in the Netherlands means these two days are spent with family, singing carols, playing games, watching movies, reading Christmas tales and indulging in holiday festivities.

Spending Christmas overseas can mean an opportunity to celebrate in new ways and mix up the festive culture. No matter how good the festive vibe feels, it is exciting knowing that there are new traditions to get used to. But, sometimes you just have to explore the new and let go of the old.

Living here has given me such a different outlook on the little thing. Not having the luxury of owning my own car instead I own a bike or take the train to the nearest Christmas Market. It sounds silly. But it’s made me appreciate the little things.

Reading this means you are part of my story. I never thought I would find myself living in another country. But this would be a Christmas I would never forget. Even if it means skipping Christmas in South-Africa.

xoxo

Chante’