The festive season is a magical time in both Sweden and The Netherlands, but each country has its own unique traditions that make Christmas special. Understanding these customs is crucial for international companies looking to do business during this period. Let’s explore how these two cultures celebrate Christmas and how business is conducted during the festive season.
Swedish Christmas traditions and business practices
In Sweden, Christmas is known as Jul, and the celebrations start early with the Advent. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the festive season, with families lighting candles and decorating their homes. One of the most beloved traditions is the Advent calendar, where children (and adults) open a door each day to find a small gift or treat.
A highlight of the Swedish Christmas season is Lucia Day on December 13th. This celebration of light features processions led by a girl dressed as Lucia, wearing a crown of candles. She is followed by children dressed in white, singing traditional songs. This event symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness during the long Swedish winter.
Christmas Eve, or Julafton, is the main day of celebration in Sweden. Families gather for a festive meal that includes dishes like Julskinka (Christmas ham), meatballs, and gravlax (cured salmon). After dinner, it’s time for the much-anticipated visit from Jultomten, the Swedish Santa Claus, who delivers gifts to children.
Business practices during Christmas in Sweden
During the Christmas period, business activities in Sweden slow down significantly. Many companies close for an extended break, and employees take time off to spend with their families. It’s important for international companies to plan ahead and avoid scheduling important meetings or expecting quick responses during this time. The emphasis on work-life balance means that Swedes prioritize personal time over work commitments during the holidays. For example, it’s common for businesses to be closed from Christmas Eve through the New Year.
Dutch Christmas traditions and business practices
In The Netherlands, the festive season kicks off with Sinterklaas on December 5th. Sinterklaas, who resembles Santa Claus, arrives from Spain and brings gifts to children. The evening is filled with excitement as kids leave their shoes out, hoping to find them filled with treats the next morning.
Christmas in The Netherlands, known as Kerstmis, is celebrated on both December 25th and 26th. The Dutch enjoy a more relaxed and extended celebration, with Kerstavond (Christmas Eve) being a time for family gatherings and festive meals. Traditional dishes include gourmetten, where families cook small pieces of meat and vegetables on a tabletop grill, and kerststol, a fruit-filled bread.
A unique Dutch tradition is the Christmas markets, which are popular throughout the country. These markets offer a festive atmosphere with stalls selling handmade crafts, delicious food, and warm drinks like glühwein (mulled wine). It’s a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and find unique gifts.
Business practices during Christmas in The Netherlands
Similar to Sweden, business activities in The Netherlands also slow down during the Christmas period. However, the Dutch approach is slightly different. While many businesses close for the holidays, there is still some level of activity, especially in the retail and service sectors due to the popularity of Christmas markets. It’s advisable for international companies to avoid scheduling major business activities during this time and to be mindful of the extended celebrations that include both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Dutch professionals may still be reachable, but responses might be slower as they balance work and festive activities.
Comparing the two
While both Sweden and The Netherlands have rich Christmas traditions, there are some notable differences in how business is conducted during this period. In Sweden, the focus is on Advent and Lucia Day, with a strong emphasis on light and warmth during the dark winter months. The celebrations are deeply rooted in family and community, with a blend of old and new customs. Business activities come to a near halt, reflecting the importance of personal time and family.
In The Netherlands, Sinterklaas is a major highlight, bringing joy and excitement to children early in December. The Dutch Christmas is more spread out, with two days of celebrations and a strong tradition of Christmas markets that bring people together in a festive setting. While business slows down, there is still some activity, particularly in sectors that benefit from the holiday season.
Balancing two cultural backgrounds within a family
In a family that merges Swedish and Dutch traditions, you learn to embrace the customs that are most meaningful to each individual. Initially, in a 'mixed' relationship, it might take some time to adapt to each other's traditions. For instance, as a Swede, I enjoy celebrating Christmas on the 24th, when we typically adorn the table with red and green and savor traditional Swedish dishes (which might seem familiar to a Dutch person, as they resemble those served at other Swedish festivities). My family dedicates the entire day to celebrations, with a designated time for exchanging gifts. Naturally, this can vary from one family to another. The Dutch, on the other hand, celebrate only in the evening on the 24th and have a more elaborate dinner on the 25th. Consequently, we celebrate the 24th with traditional Swedish decorations and on the 25th, we transform the setting with, for example, white linens, pink roses, and champagne glasses.
Welcoming each other's traditions fosters mutual respect and enriches our cultural tapestry, creating a win-win scenario where everyone gains a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Photo: A Swedish Christmas buffet with herring
Example: Advent vs. Sinterklaas
To illustrate, let’s compare the Swedish Advent with the Dutch Sinterklaas. In Sweden, the Advent period is marked by lighting candles each Sunday leading up to Christmas, creating a cosy and reflective atmosphere. Families often gather to enjoy glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), making it a time of warmth and togetherness. Business activities slow down significantly, and it’s common for companies to close for an extended break.
In The Netherlands, Sinterklaas is a lively and joyous celebration. Children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas and his helpers, who bring gifts and sweets. The tradition includes singing songs, leaving out shoes, and enjoying speculaas (spiced cookies). It’s a festive and playful start to the holiday season. While business slows down, there is still some level of activity, especially in the retail sector.
Photo: A Swedish 'Pepparkaka' with 'God Jul'; Merry Christmas.
Both Sweden and The Netherlands offer unique and enchanting ways to celebrate Christmas. Whether it’s the serene and candlelit traditions of Swedish Jul or the lively and gift-filled festivities of Dutch Kerstmis, each country brings its own charm to the holiday season. Understanding these cultural differences and how they impact business practices can help international companies navigate these markets more effectively during the festive period
God Jul! Fijne Kerstdagen!
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