Double the Joy

Holidays in our home meant double the presents, double the food and double the joy. Having a Dutch father and a Scottish mother meant our house became a lively fusion of two cultures. Every holiday season transformed into an extraordinary celebration. Bursting with vibrant traditions and flavours that filled our home with love and laughter, making each moment unforgettable and truly unique. 

December was always busy, beginning with Sinterklaas on the 5th. Dutch tradition says children leave their shoes by the fireplace (or, in our case, the radiator) for Sinterklaas to fill with small gifts and treats. I'd wake up to find chocolate letters and pepernoten, just like my dad did as a child. The evening often included oliebollen - Dutch doughballs mentioned in my previous post - and a feeling that the Christmas season had begun. 

Meeting Sinterklass

Then came Christmas, and it was time for my mum's Scottish traditions to take the spotlight. We'd bake gingerbread, pressing it into special tins and watching the edges turn golden. She'd decorate the house and play classic Christmas tunes. By New Year's, we'd be ready for Hogmanay, Scotland's unique New Year celebration. We'd sing Auld Lang Syne, and the first person to visit after midnight would bring luck, often carrying a gift like coal or shortbread - a symbolic wish for affection and plenty in the year to come. 

Living between these two cultures, each holiday became a reminder of my family's roots, a chance to honour the Dutch and Scottish sides of my heritage. The mix of traditions taught me that celebrations can look very different but still carry the same warmth and love. Today, I cherish the blend, knowing that each holiday brings me closer to understanding and preserving my family's legacy.