The Best Gifts for Kerstmis
Kerstmis 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 Kerstmis along with ways of making the holiday really unique and memorable.
What Is Kerstmis
In the depths of winter, when the days are shortest and the nights are longest, people in the Netherlands come together to celebrate Kerstmis, a holiday steeped in tradition and cherished rituals. This enchanting time, more commonly known as Christmas, is a season of joy, love, and togetherness that radiates warmth and happiness throughout the country.
The festivities begin on December 5th, when families gather around the table for Sinterklaasavond, the evening of Saint Nicholas. Children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, a jolly figure dressed in a red bishop’s robe and a tall, pointed hat, who arrives by steamboat from Spain accompanied by his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten. In the days leading up to Sinterklaasavond, children place their shoes by the fireplace or window, filled with hay or carrots for Sinterklaas’s horse. If they are well-behaved, they are rewarded with gifts and sweets; if not, they may find a lump of coal or a switch in their shoes instead.
In the weeks leading up to Kerstmis, Dutch cities, towns, and villages are adorned with festive decorations. Twinkling lights illuminate the streets, sparkling Christmas trees grace public squares, and shop windows display an array of colorful ornaments and gifts. The scent of gingerbread, cinnamon, and mulled wine fills the air, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the hearts of young and old alike.
One of the highlights of the Kerstmis celebrations is the Kerstmarkt, a traditional Christmas market held in many towns and cities across the Netherlands. These bustling markets feature wooden stalls selling a variety of festive treats and handmade gifts, from hand-painted ornaments and wooden toys to warm winter clothing and local delicacies. Visitors can savor the flavors of freshly baked oliebollen, fluffy poffertjes, and warm gluhwein, while enjoying the sounds of Christmas carols and the laughter of children.
On Kerstavond, Christmas Eve, families gather together for a special dinner, typically consisting of roast goose or duck, mashed potatoes, red cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. After dinner, they exchange gifts and sing Christmas carols around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The tree, adorned with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and a shining star atop, is a symbol of hope, joy, and the coming of Christ.
On Kerstmorgen, Christmas morning, children wake up early to see what gifts Sinterklaas has left for them under the tree. They excitedly unwrap their presents and spend the day playing with their new toys, enjoying special treats, and spending time with their loved ones. Throughout the Kerstmis holiday, families and friends come together to share delicious meals, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories. They attend church services, sing carols, and participate in various festive activities, spreading joy, kindness, and love throughout the land. Whether it’s skating on frozen canals, enjoying a sleigh ride through snow-covered landscapes, or simply gathering around a cozy fire, the Kerstmis holiday in the Netherlands is a time of cherished traditions and heartfelt celebrations.
Best Gifts For Kerstmis
In the spirit of Kerstmis, the exchange of gifts holds a significant place, symbolizing love, appreciation, and the strengthening of bonds among family and friends. The types of gifts exchanged vary across countries, reflecting unique cultural traditions and preferences. Let’s delve into some of the popular gift-giving practices associated with Kerstmis around the world:
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Netherlands (Sinterklaas):
- Children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas, a legendary figure resembling Saint Nicholas, who is believed to travel from Spain on a white horse and deliver gifts on the evening of December 5th.
- Typical gifts include toys, sweets, and traditional treats like “pepernoten” (gingerbread cookies) and “chocoladeletters” (chocolate letters representing the recipient’s initials).
- Children place their shoes near the fireplace or window, filled with hay or carrots for Sinterklaas’s horse, in anticipation of receiving gifts.
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Sweden (Jul):
- The Swedish Kerstmis tradition centers around “Jultomten,” a friendly gnome-like figure clad in red and white, who is believed to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve.
- Common gifts exchanged include handmade crafts, such as knitted sweaters, scarves, and other cozy items, reflecting the importance of warmth and togetherness during the winter season.
- Children often receive books, toys, and traditional Swedish treats like “pepparkakor” (gingerbread cookies) and “lussekatter” (saffron buns).
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Germany (Weihnachten):
- In Germany, the tradition of “Weihnachtsmann” (Father Christmas) or “Nikolaus” (Saint Nicholas) brings excitement to children on December 6th.
- Typical gifts include toys, books, and sweets, often accompanied by an orange and a chocolate Santa Claus figure.
- Families gather around the beautifully decorated Kerstmis tree on Christmas Eve, exchanging gifts and enjoying a festive meal.
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United Kingdom (Christmas):
- The British Kerstmis tradition is known for its elaborate gift-giving rituals. Presents are typically exchanged on Christmas morning, with children eagerly unwrapping their gifts after a night of anticipation.
- Gifts can range from toys and games for children to clothing, accessories, and home décor items for adults.
- The tradition of “Secret Santa” is popular, where participants anonymously exchange gifts, adding an element of surprise and intrigue to the festivities.
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United States (Christmas):
- In the United States, the exchange of gifts is a central part of the Kerstmis celebration. Presents are placed under the beautifully decorated Kerstmis tree and unwrapped on Christmas morning.
- Gifts can include toys, electronics, clothing, jewelry, gift cards, and other thoughtful items.
- The tradition of “Elf on the Shelf” has gained popularity, where a small elf-like doll is placed in different locations around the house, adding a playful element to the holiday season.
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Mexico (Navidad):
- The Mexican Kerstmis tradition, known as “Navidad,” is characterized by elaborate celebrations and gift-giving. Gifts are typically exchanged on Christmas Eve, known as “Nochebuena.”
- Common gifts include toys for children, religious items like nativity scenes, traditional Mexican crafts, and sweets like “roscas de reyes” (King’s bread).
- Families gather for a festive dinner, often featuring traditional dishes like “pozole” (a hominy-based soup) and “tamales” (corn-based dumplings).
These are just a few examples of the diverse gift-giving practices associated with Kerstmis around the world. The exchange of gifts during this festive season serves as a symbol of love, appreciation, and the strengthening of bonds among family and friends, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
How To Make Kerstmis More Memorable
To make Kerstmis truly special and memorable, one should delve into the diverse traditions and customs practiced across different countries, embracing the unique charm of each celebration.
In Germany, the Christmas markets are a must-visit, offering an enchanting atmosphere with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the irresistible aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine. Traditional German gifts include Räuchermann (smoking men), hand-carved wooden figurines that emit a sweet fragrance when incense is burned inside, and Nussknacker (nutcrackers), decorative wooden figures that crack nuts when their levers are pressed.
In Sweden, the Julbord, an elaborate Christmas buffet, takes center stage. This lavish spread features an array of dishes, including pickled herring, meatballs, ham, and Janssons frestelse, a casserole made with potatoes, onions, and anchovies. A popular Swedish gift is the Dalahäst, a brightly painted wooden horse that symbolizes strength and courage.
In Poland, the Wigilia, or Christmas Eve dinner, holds great significance. The table is set with an extra plate for an unexpected guest, representing the spirit of hospitality and compassion. Traditional dishes include pierogi (dumplings filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms) and kutia, a sweet porridge made with wheat berries, poppy seeds, and honey. A thoughtful gift in Poland is a bombka, a hand-blown glass ornament that adds a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree.
In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, arrives on a steamboat from Spain on December 5th. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping they will be filled with gifts and treats overnight. Traditional Dutch gifts include pepernoten, small spiced cookies, and marzipan, a sweet almond paste often shaped into festive figures.
In Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Christmas Eve meal, featuring a variety of seafood dishes. The number seven symbolizes the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Popular Italian Christmas gifts include panettone, a sweet bread filled with candied fruit and raisins, and torrone, a nougat-like confection made with honey, sugar, and almonds.
By incorporating these unique traditions and thoughtful gifts into your Kerstmis celebration, you can create a truly special and memorable experience that captures the essence of this beloved holiday around the world.
