Den Haag covered in icing

Happy Holiday Season!

My hometown, the Hague, received its first snow two weeks ago and is starting to look very festive! Even though I was suffering from the first winter flu, I had to step outside to wander in the snow. I love that near silent snarling sound that your steps make midst the white stillness.

I didn’t go to work on Monday but received a text from my colleagues in the morning that they were sent home due to the heavy snowfall. Who would have thought that the Netherlands is so unable to deal with a little snowfall? Haha, at least it was pretty.

Once I was able to return back to work, I was quite hesitant to hop on my bike but as soon as I stepped outside I saw the most Dutch thing ever: the road or the pavement were not cleared of the snow but the bike lane was. But here is why: In the Netherlands and Denmark, everything relies so much on people cycling because the public transport system could never hold all the commuters that they must make sure that people are able to cycle to school and work all around the year. Cycling to work went surprisingly smoothly, though the snow has chilled the air.

I think the Dutch know that the snow doesn’t remain for long so they were enjoying it the fullest as soon as it started snowing.

The main Christmas market is called the Royal Christmas Fair which is packed with stalls selling hot chocolate and wine, fudge and coconut balls.

The Fair and the city centre are nicely decorated and the sun sets just after 3 pm changing the whole city into Santa’s village.

The Dutch make an exception to the early closing times of shops before Christmas and you will be able to complete your Christmas shopping after work as well. I am flying back to Finland for the holidays tonight but it has been great to experience the holiday hype in here, too. I am not the biggest Christmas person but I love the markets and the excited wait and preparation for the big day!

Apparently, it should snow in Helsinki! Fingers crossed.

Best wishes and a warm, blessed festive season everyone!

Mira

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