When I was growing up in Queensland, Australia, Christmas was always warm.

Now I live in The Hague in The Netherlands, and Christmas of course falls during a cold winter.

I recently was able to attend a press event to kick off the “Royal Winter” in The Hague for 2023. 

With a whole range of things to do, it makes this cold season more magical.

Of course the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas already on 5 December, but they also seem to have embraced the tradition of Santa (or the Kerstman) as well. 

You can read my article about the Royal Christmas Fair over on TheHagueOnLine:

Have you visited the Royal Christmas Fair in The Hague?

I particularly loved the horse & carriage ride as part of the winter programme. Even though the day we rode, it was wet and windy at Scheveningen, we were under cover and the clip clop sound is so beautiful.

Maybe I’ll even try ice skating over the holidays – I’ve done it a few times before – though, as to be expected considering I grew up in Queensland – I’m not very good!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, whether you’re celebrating it in winter or summer.

Renée