For many families in the Netherlands a typical dinner style is called "gourmetten", where people have many small dishes and a small pan. This small pan is then used by each person to make their own mini dish. And once finished, a second is made. Then a third, fourth, etc.
Where it's quite common for the Dutch to normally eat quick and simple, on these days we wine and dine for several hours. And as it takes time to make these small dishes (and you need many to get full) it makes for a fun and cozy, long dinner.
This way of having dinner is also great with kids as they're able to make their own meals and get to “explorer” how to cook. They will also be able to choose what they want to eat.
This way of eating is very often done on both Christmas Day, and on Boxing Day (or as it’s called in the Netherlands: 2nd Christmas Day). Usually with one part of the extended family on the 1st and another on the 2nd.
It’s really a fun way to spend Christmas as you’re with family and friends and enjoying yourself with great food.
What’s your Christmas dinner tradition?
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