The Surprises of a Dutch Birthday
1. The Surprises of a Dutch Birthday
If you are used to the standard list of birthday party expectations – a birthday cake with candles, the “Happy Birthday” song, presents, games, and fun – then you might be in for some surprises if you attend a Dutch birthday party. Here are some of the things that you might see at a Dutch birthday party that could be quite different from what you are used to.
2. A birthday cake with candles
The birthday cake is often replaced by a plate of rolls or other pastries. The birthday boy or girl will usually blow out the candles on their pastry, not on a cake.
3. The “Happy Birthday” song
While the “Happy Birthday” song is sung in many languages around the world, in the Netherlands it is not as common to sing this song at a birthday party. Instead, it is more common for guests to simply say “congratulations” or “many happy returns”.
4. Presents
Presents are often not given atDutch birthday parties, or if they are, they are usually small and inexpensive gifts such as coffee or tea saucers, toothpaste, or rolls of toilet paper!
5. Games
Games are not generally a part of Dutch birthday parties, although children’s parties may sometimes include simple games such as pin the tail on the donkey.
6. Fun
The focus of a Dutch birthday party is usually not on games or other activities, but simply on spending time with friends and family, eating and drinking, and having conversations. So if you are looking for a wild and crazy birthday party, a Dutch party might not be the right place for you!