Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A Christmas in the Netherlands

By John Töns - posted Thursday, 31 December 2015


But for me Christmas merely reminds me how much the rhythm of my life was disrupted by my parents’ decision to migrate.  I also know that were I to go back to Holland I would discover that December has become a very different month – it starts with controversy about Sinterklaas – his helpers are no longer black Peters but are now multi-coloured.  Both Christmas and Sinterklaas have been captured by the tide of consumerism, people buy their oliebollen prepacked and there are no longer those spontaneous street parties around the bonfire.  And there as here the shops shove Christmas down your throat from the beginning of November or earlier and then in  a matter of weeks afterwards we find ourselves looking at hot cross buns.

I guess what I miss is the fact that we are losing the magic of special days, days where we step out of the rut of daily living to create something extraordinary – something to look forward to and something to savour.

Best wishes to all OLO readers and hopefully you are able to create something magic in your own home this Christmas and New Year.

Advertisement

 

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

1 post so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

John Töns is President of the Zero Carbon Network a network established to promote clear thinking about the issues associated with climate change. In addition to operating the only zero carbon boarding kennels in South Australia he is also completing a PhD at Flinders University in the area of Global Justice. John is a founding member of a new political party Stop Population Growth Now.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by John Töns

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 1 comment
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy