Special Occasions the Dutch way

Five surprising birthday traditions

1. Everybody close to you will be congratulated 

Your parents, spouse, aunt. Even though it is your birthday everyone close to you also earns some credit. Simply say: Gefelicitieerd! 

2. You must host your own party 

A typical Dutch birthday includes tea and cake, and afterwards some sort of a meal. Although, Dutchies prefer to serve pies or local tarts called vlaai instead of cake. You will typically serve your guests in a circle during the tea and cake part. At the table, there is no "help yourself" option. Since you are the birthday person, it is expected of you to serve and provide. And to pay for everything... 

3. Joining the Circle 

During the birthday celebration people sit in a circle set up in the living room instead of walking around and mingle with other guests. That is why Dutch birthday parties are known as “circle parties”. 

4. Open gifts immediately 

People will open your gifts right away in front of everyone, keep that in mind! Some typical presents are: gift vouchers, flowers, chocolate, wine, books, care products, a weekend away or a workshop. 

5. Bringing treats to co-workers 

In most cultures, birthday celebrants can expect to get some treats or presents from the workplace. However, in the Netherlands, birthday celebrants have to bring their own treats to share with their colleagues.

Baby Shower 

A baby shower is a party put on by a friend or family member of the expecting mother. Blue and/or pink decorations adorn everything, special baby shower games are played, and everyone brings gifts for the mother and/or the baby. Depending on the girlfriends' preferences, baby showers can be held in someone's living room or another convenient location. 

Kraambezoek 

Is a word to use when visiting a new mother and her baby. Expect family members, friends, or even colleagues to drop by at your home with a toy or some kind of present for the baby.  

Beschuit met muisjes 

This bite is typically handed out by new dads at the workplace. It consists of a crispbake spreaded with margarine and sprinkled with aniseed sprinkles – blue for a boy and pink for a girl.