Xmas in Holland

This year, for the first time, no Xmas in France for me. I had to get used to that idea, but having to work till the 23rd made the decision easier. So we invited my parents to our place for their very first Xmas in Holland.

If we couldn't go to France, then we had to get France to us. Xmas has to be traditional, in some way or the other...
That means traditional dishes like stuffed turkey with chestnuts. Hmmmm. As a real French girl, Xmas wouldn't be Xmas to me without this dish. Even my Dutch husband has quickly adopted this new tradition and wouldn't like to spend Xmas Eve eating something else than turkey.

So, that was that: my parents were here, the food with perfectly Xmassy and the house was magically decorated.

But we also added a new tradition to our family's traditional Xmas: the 'Kerstsamenzang' of Amstelveen. On December 24th, at night, between 1.500 and 2.000 people are used to getting togeher on a small square to sing and celebrate Xmas Eve together.
It was cold, but oh so nice!

My parents were amazed by the Xmas lights in Amsterdam (so was I, every time again and again) and by the fact that so many people were out on Xmas Eve: on the square, in the cafés and in restaurants. Struck by the Dutch 'gezelligheid'.

On Xmas Day, it was time for a Dutch twist. No traditional French dish, but 'gourmet', which is so common in Dutch households during the holidays. The 'gourmet set' is placed on the table and warmed up and everyone chooses what they want to eat: small pieces of meat, fish, vegetables, etc...

We had a great French-Dutch Xmas in Holland. Hope you did too, wherever you were.