X... X-mas A simple card, because ... Although it is changing, tradionally Christmas in the Netherlands is not about giving presents. When it comes to giving presents, Sinterklaasavond (St. Nicholas Evening, 5 December) remains more important in the Netherlands than Christmas. Christmas is a lower-key, more religious event. Large numbers of practicing Christians and others with a Christian background, attend church for Christmas. The Roman Catholic service is on Christmas Eve, while the Protestant churches usually conduct their Christmas service on 25 December. This service is usually kept somewhat simpler than normal services, with more attention on the children and the singing of famous old Christmas hymns. Since the late 20th century, some Protestant churches have held services on Christmas Eve. Due to a decline in church attendance in recent decades, many old churches have closed. However, as large numbers of people continue to attend Christmas church services, the remaining churches are often too small to accommodate all congregants.

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