Dutch birthday party could be weirdest thing out there

Today's class was so much fun! The main topic of the lesson was Dutch birthday party and everyone got so involved in it that we ended up spending waaay too much time on it. But it was fun.

So what's so weird about Dutch birthday parties? Well, based on what Kirsten told us and what some students already living in the Netherlands have already experienced, everything seems to be off. First of all, when people come over for a birthday party they don't wish a happy birthday to just the person whose birthday it is, but to everyone there! You are supposed to go around the room, shake everybody's hand and say gefeliciteerd (which means "congratulations"). Weird? Wait, there is more.

There is also an issue of food and drinks served during the party, or rather the lack of thereof. Yes, you heard it right. There is hardly any food served on a Dutch birthday party. You will get a piece of cake (just one, don't count on seconds!) and a cup of coffee and you might get served some crackers and some nibbles. The birthday person will walk around the room with a plate filled with pieces of cheese and ham, so that everyone can take a piece (just one!) and then takes the plate away. No chance for a second!

And if you bring a bottle of wine to a birthday party the birthday girl or a boy will not open it and share with everyone but will put it away.

I've read about Dutch birthday parties before on some expat blogs, but it seemed so strange that I had trouble believing it. Now that I have heard it from people actually living in the country, I have no choice but to accept this odd custom as fact.

So if you are ever invited to a Dutch birthday party, make sure you have dinner before!

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