When I first came here 25 years ago, the Dutch did not really celebrate Christmas. It was a time to eat roast hare with the family and that was that. Now you can hardly move for the reindeer with flashing antlers and wind up Santas. The present thing has caught on a bit, but not much. So if you are invited out for Christmas dinner, you don't need to take a present for everyone and you won't be expected to eat cold sprouts at 3pm.

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