The Best Gifts for Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day)
Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day) is a special holiday that can be make more memorable with a well thought out gift. We have come up with some unique ideas for gifts for Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day) along with ways of making the holiday really unique and memorable.
What Is Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day)
Eerste Kerstdag, also known as Christmas Day in the Netherlands, is a widely celebrated holiday observed on December 25th. It holds immense significance for the Dutch people, symbolizing the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the exchange of gifts, family gatherings, and traditional festivities.
One of the most cherished aspects of Eerste Kerstdag is the gathering of families and friends. On Christmas Eve, many Dutch families indulge in a tradition called “Kerstgourmet,” which involves a communal meal where each person cooks their preferred dish on small pans placed on a central hotplate. This culinary tradition fosters a spirit of togetherness and warmth among family members.
Christmas Day begins with the exchange of gifts, a customary practice that brings joy and excitement to people of all ages. Children eagerly await the arrival of “Sinterklaas,” the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, who is believed to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. The tradition of gift-giving extends beyond children, as adults also exchange thoughtful presents with each other.
Throughout the day, many Dutch families attend church services, offering prayers and expressing gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Churches across the country are adorned with festive decorations, creating an atmosphere of reverence and solemnity.
A quintessential element of Eerste Kerstdag is the elaborate Christmas dinner, which typically consists of traditional Dutch dishes such as “kalkoen,” or turkey, accompanied by stuffing, vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Other popular dishes include “ribbetjes,” or pork ribs, and “kerststol,” a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and nuts. The meal is often concluded with “kerstkransjes,” which are delicious Christmas cookies served with coffee or tea.
In the evening, families and friends gather around the Christmas tree, exchanging stories, singing carols, and cherishing the warmth of each other’s company. The Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and a gleaming star atop, serves as a symbol of hope, love, and the festive spirit.
Overall, Eerste Kerstdag in the Netherlands is a magical and cherished occasion that brings people together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, share gifts, indulge in traditional feasts, and revel in the spirit of love, joy, and peace.
Best Gifts For Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day)
In many countries that celebrate Eerste Kerstdag (First Christmas Day), the exchange of gifts is an integral part of the festivities. The types of gifts exchanged vary from country to country, reflecting cultural traditions and preferences.
In Germany, for instance, the tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Day is known as “Weihnachtsgeschenk” or “Bescherung.” Children eagerly await the arrival of “Weihnachtsmann” (Father Christmas), who is believed to bring gifts on Christmas Eve. Popular gifts include toys, books, clothing, and sweets. Adults often exchange practical gifts such as household items, electronics, or gift cards.
In the United Kingdom, Christmas gift-giving is steeped in tradition and sentimentality. Families and friends gather around the Christmas tree on Christmas morning to exchange presents. Typical gifts include toys for children, clothing, jewelry, chocolates, and gift baskets filled with festive treats. Handmade gifts, such as knitted sweaters, scarves, or baked goods, are also cherished as tokens of love and care.
Across the pond in the United States, Christmas gift-giving is characterized by a blend of religious and commercial traditions. Children eagerly hang stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping to find them filled with treats and small gifts in the morning. Popular gifts for children include toys, games, books, and electronic devices. Adults often exchange gifts such as clothing, jewelry, gift certificates, or home décor items.
In France, the tradition of gift-giving on Christmas Day is known as “Noël.” Children eagerly await the arrival of “Père Noël” (Father Christmas), who is believed to bring gifts on Christmas Eve. Typical gifts include toys, books, clothing, and sweets. Adults often exchange practical gifts such as household items, kitchenware, or gift certificates.
In Italy, Christmas gift-giving is known as “Scambio dei Regali” or “La Befana.” Children receive gifts from “Babbo Natale” (Father Christmas) on Christmas Eve, while adults traditionally exchange gifts on January 6th, the Epiphany. Typical gifts include toys for children, clothing, jewelry, and food items such as panettone or torrone.
These are just a few examples of the diverse gift-giving traditions associated with Eerste Kerstdag around the world. The act of exchanging gifts during this festive season symbolizes love, appreciation, and the joy of sharing.
How To Make Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day) More Memorable
To make Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) extra special and memorable, it’s essential to incorporate traditions, customs, and gifts that reflect the festive spirit of the occasion. Here’s a detailed plan to create a heartwarming and unforgettable Christmas celebration:
1. Festive Decorations:
- Deck the halls with Christmas decorations such as twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and a majestic Christmas tree.
- Place a beautiful Advent wreath with four candles, symbolizing the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
- Hang mistletoe above doorways, a symbol of love and good luck, encouraging warm greetings and kisses.
2. Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner:
- Prepare a lavish traditional Christmas Eve dinner, which often consists of roasted goose or duck, sauerkraut, and potato dumplings.
- Indulge in delectable side dishes like braised red cabbage, creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy roasted vegetables.
- Serve a variety of homemade Christmas cookies, such as speculaas, kruidnoten, and pepernoten, as sweet treats.
3. Midnight Church Service:
- Attend a special midnight church service, known as the Kerstnachtmis, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The service typically features beautiful music, inspiring readings, and a heartfelt sermon.
- Share a moment of reflection and gratitude with fellow attendees, fostering a sense of community.
4. Exchanging Gifts:
- On Christmas morning, gather around the Christmas tree to exchange thoughtfully chosen gifts.
- In the Netherlands, children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, who brings gifts and sweets on December 5th.
- Adults traditionally exchange gifts on Christmas Day, showing appreciation for loved ones and symbolizing the spirit of giving.
5. Traditional Christmas Lunch:
- Prepare a hearty Christmas lunch consisting of roasted turkey or ham, accompanied by flavorful stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.
- Serve an array of side dishes like Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots, and a green salad.
- For dessert, indulge in a traditional Christmas pudding or a festive Yule log cake.
6. Family Games and Activities:
- Engage in fun family games and activities, such as playing board games, solving puzzles, or singing Christmas carols together.
- Build a gingerbread house, decorate it with candies and frosting, and make it a centerpiece of your holiday decorations.
- Watch classic Christmas movies and enjoy the festive atmosphere while creating cherished memories.
7. Outdoor Festivities:
- If weather permits, take part in outdoor winter activities like sledding, ice skating, or simply playing in the snow.
- Visit local Christmas markets, where you can browse handmade crafts, indulge in delicious treats, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk through a winter wonderland, appreciating the beauty of the season.
8. Reflect and Appreciate:
- Take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which is love, kindness, and compassion.
- Express gratitude for the blessings in your life and the presence of loved ones.
- Share acts of kindness and generosity with those in need, spreading the Christmas spirit beyond your immediate circle.