Fijne Kerst!

Sinterklaas has come and gone (he went home to Spain on the 7th) but Christmas is now upon us. I have devoured many a bag of kruidnoten, small ginger cookies that I'm sure you're meant to enjoy in moderation, but I have eaten in large quantities with a cup of evening tea. I've spent my week trying to procure all the necessary ingredients for molasses cookies... and found that not only have I been left scratching my head over where to get some molasses in this country, but others on the internet have shared similar struggles. So, uh, molasses is not a common ingredient here.
I eventually found one store that sells it... and they were all out. So back to the internet I went to see if the dadelstroop, date syrup, which was on the shelf next to the empty molasses spot, was a viable substitute. And lo, one brave soul, an American expat living in Belgium, had run into just this dilemma last year. She tried two methods of making gingerbread, one which was date syrup, and deemed it a good enough approximation. And I also deem it a good enough substitute, a delicious one, even (though I do prefer the molasses).

Decor around town is minimal, Christmas theming is limited to some nice warm white lights, and the occasional painted storefront window. And the giant Christmas tree lighting in the town square didn't even happen until December 9th. It's refreshing after the last several years have trended earlier and earlier with holiday paraphernalia popping up seemingly as soon as October ends. Fresh greenery at the Saturday market seems popular, and while I've seen several lit trees in windows, I read that Christmas trees aren't nearly as prolific here. In fact, neither are some of the famous "Christmas markets" I was expecting after hearing of the German ones - though you'll definitely still leave a store with Mariah Carey ringing in your ears.

My other staple favorite winter baked good: Swedish saffron buns.
https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/lussekatter-saffron-buns/
I always add a bit of fresh ground cardamom, bake slivered almonds on the top, and dust with powdered sugar when warm and fresh.

Our own celebrations were small, starting the day off with a nice big breakfast, cider warming on the stove, some video games, gifts, and saffron bun baking. We ended our evening with a nice video call to both sides of family members, and the two-person raclette we got on Black Friday sale at HEMA (they do indeed have Black Friday here, regardless of no Thanksgiving).

And lastly... if you, like I, thought that the construction workers would finally take a break on Christmas of all days...
Nope.
They were out there again, all day, working away.

Happy holidays, everyone!