Spending Christmas far from home is always a little bittersweet. Back in the Netherlands, my family has our own festive traditions—setting up the tree together, eating gourmetten (miniature grilling at the table), and opening gifts by the fireplace. This year, though, I found myself celebrating the holidays in Romania with the family of a friend. What could have felt lonely turned into one of the warmest, most memorable Christmases I’ve ever had, thanks to Romanian hospitality and a feast unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
The Warmest Welcome
When my friend invited me to join their family for Christmas, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Back home, Christmas with my family is a cozy and quiet affair. Here, I was welcomed with open arms and treated like one of their own. Romanians are incredibly warm, and it didn’t matter that I wasn’t part of the family; they made sure I felt included and cared for throughout the entire celebration.
A Romanian Feast
The food was, without exaggeration, incredible. We started with platters of smoked sausages, fresh cheeses, and piftie (a savory meat jelly—unusual for me, but surprisingly good). Then came sarmale—cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, served with mămăligă (polenta). For dessert, we enjoyed cozonac, a sweet bread filled with walnuts or cocoa. Compared to my family’s simpler Dutch Christmas dinner (we tend to stick with roast meats, potatoes, and apple pie), this was an all-out feast!
Traditions That Stood Out
What struck me most about celebrating Christmas in Romania were the unique traditions. On Christmas Eve, I witnessed colindători, groups of children or carolers singing traditional songs door to door. It was such a charming way to spread the Christmas spirit, something I’d never seen back home. Another touching moment was before the Christmas meal, when the family gathered to light candles and share prayers—it added a deeper meaning to the celebration.
In the Netherlands, our holiday traditions feel much more casual and modern. Families often play board games, exchange small gifts, and keep it relatively low-key. Here, the focus on community and tradition gave me a new appreciation for how people celebrate the season in different parts of the world.
What I Learned
This Christmas was a reminder that the holidays are about more than just traditions—they’re about the people who make you feel at home. Even though I was far from the Netherlands, I never felt out of place. The family’s kindness, the laughter around the table, and the stories shared late into the evening left me with memories that I’ll carry forever.
Next year, when I’m back in the Netherlands, I think I’ll add a little bit of Romania to our celebration. Maybe we’ll try making sarmale, or maybe I’ll just remember to extend an extra invitation to someone who might be far from their home. After all, the true meaning of Christmas is sharing it with others.
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