We are Americanizing

I secretly get a bit itchy from all those American parties. I mean: a few years ago, no one talked about a baby shower, right? Back then, we all settled for a birth party. Yes, dear down-to-earth Dutch people, the American hysteria (which I love, really, but only in America) is making its entrance into the country. We are Americanizing. Just look.

Black Friday

Do you know those videos where people beat each other up for a TV? Welcome to Black Friday in America. The Dutch approach it a bit more subtly, but still: it's happening. Originally, it was conceived to stock up well for Christmas. I must honestly admit that I also got a bit sweaty armpits on Friday when I saw all that Black Friday stuff passing by (especially the discounts on plane tickets, haaa).

Baby shower

The baby shower takes place in the weeks before the birth (as opposed to a birth party, which is held after the birth) and is usually organized by the ‘besties’ or family. There are balloons, baby gifts, games, and sweets. Everything is pink and blue.

Gender reveal party

Has suddenly become a thing. After 20 weeks, you can find out whether you're having a boy or girl, and that needs to be celebrated. Open Instagram and the videos come flying at you. Neutral cake in the middle that gets cut, and voilà: the pink or blue inside says enough.

Half birthday

My god, another tradition that has crossed over that I recently saw on Instagram. This birthday takes place exactly six months after the child's birth. In America, it's a reason for a party and especially fun for children who have their birthday on, for example, a holiday. There is a half cake, a half candle is lit, you sing half a song, and the child gets a, uh, half gift.

Halloween

Has especially become a booming party in Amsterdam in recent years. People dress up and hit the streets to party, but let's not forget that Halloween actually, it's already Saint Martin for us, where children go out to collect candy?

Thanksgiving

A national holiday where in America and Canada, thanks is given (traditionally to God) for the harvest and for all sorts of other good things. And yes, the tradition of the Thanksgiving dinner is already flying our way. Friend groups even organize ‘Friendsgiving’ dinners.

God, people, I love America, but can we just keep it normal together? Let's first make it Sinterklaas. You know, our party.