The first Christmas of Nicolette van Dam without grandma Lily

Honestly, we are all busy, but when it comes to Christmas hustle, the principle of boss above boss applies. And the winner? That is really Nicolette van Dam. She played the lead role in two films that premiered just one day apart, is showcasing the pulled chicken and other delicacies from Brasserie Van Dam at The Winter Paradise (near the stage, where it is the coziest), and is meanwhile packing all the Christmas boxes filled with the tastiest dishes from Brasserie Van Dam.

Dear Nicolette, I get tired just writing this down. And I haven't even mentioned your good work for the Children's Hospitals of Oranje and the time and attention you give to your daughters…
The question how-do-you-do-it-all has surely been asked of you often. Is it the work ethic you inherited from your parents that drives you to all these deeds?
“If you grow up in an entrepreneurial family, you just get involved. I see that with our daughters too. We all help out in the business and it goes very smoothly. It’s also incredibly fun. We are doing well, but that comes from somewhere and I think it’s great that they get to experience that too.”

Two film premieres in one week. How is that possible?
“On Sunday afternoon, Juf Braaksel premiered and the next day Jackpot. Two films in which I get to play the lead role and that are released at the same time, that is quite special. Because they are two such different roles and films, they could coexist. I am really still recovering from everything; they were such amazing projects. This summer, I was on the set of Juf Braaksel one day and the next day filming for De Jackpot. And that alongside family and all sorts of other things. Yes, I am proud that it worked out.”

And what did you wear?
“Juf Braaksel was an afternoon premiere, so I wanted to look cool, premiere-worthy, but also in a cheerful outfit. My stylist bought me a beautiful jumpsuit with a bow at the front. And I especially thought my big frog earrings were very fitting for the theme. The Jackpot premiere was a gala, so I ordered a beautiful dress for that. That took some effort, because it was only delivered at 14:30 and I was to be picked up at 17:00. I had something in reserve, you know, but still. That’s often how it goes with us.”

Do you enjoy such a premiere?
“Intensely! We all went there together, because we always do; with the whole family. And I really feel joy and pride then.”

It's also really nice that you are in films that your daughters can watch.
“When I was asked for Juf Braaksel, I immediately said: yes, let’s go. We know the books, we read the books, I really like this. And De Jackpot is a delightful film about a really fun couple that wins 100 million and enjoys it until the money suddenly runs out and she (me) is not allowed to know because she is pregnant and the stress is bad for her, with all the funny consequences. I really enjoyed playing both roles.”

But it’s still not really calm after these premieres, is it?
“No, haha. I am now packing the Christmas boxes that are being delivered, which we send out with the brasserie throughout the country. We started that during corona so that people could enjoy all the delicious signature dishes from Van Dam at home. Vitello tonnato, burrata, a delicious Tom Kha Kai soup, and then tasty ravioli and a nice piece of entrecôte. As if our chef prepared your dinner, but then deliciously at home. This year we added a Dubai chocolate cake; we come up with something fun every year. But those boxes were such a success that we have continued doing it every year.”

And then Nicolette van Dam is just packing those boxes?
“The family and I and the rest of the team, we really do it together. Christmas music on and go.”

And then you also have a stand at the Amsterdam Winter Paradise…
“That’s right, I am there as much as possible. We sell all sorts of delicious things like our pulled chicken sandwiches and serve tasty cocktails. We are close to the stage, so it’s all about fun.”

And then at Christmas, just relaxing with your feet up?
“Definitely. I don’t cook, but the family does, and we also support local entrepreneurs. My father makes a stuffed turkey every year, which we eat on Christmas Day. That’s really a tradition and we also help out in the kitchen.”

But then also in sweatpants for the TV?
“Definitely not. We don’t have time for that. We really enjoy dressing nicely for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we always go to my in-laws where we have a lovely meal and give gifts. The next day, that repeats at my parents” house, very cozy. I’m not going to watch a Christmas movie because I want quality time with the family, but we will definitely watch All You Need Is Love.”

It will be the first Christmas without your grandma Lily…
“We still find it very difficult that she is no longer here. Last year she could not be at our Christmas dinner. We all went to her, all dressed up beautifully, and had drinks with her. All the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren around her, that was very nice. She really wanted to see Juf Braaksel then, but she couldn’t possibly go to the premiere. The film company made an exception so that we could watch the film at home with her.”

And, I know how close you are with your family: your dear niece Chantal Bles is going to emigrate.
“We were a bit shocked by that, because it’s not just around the corner. But I know they will be very happy there and Chant is the best at making it a celebration for her children and her family. But I will really miss her.”

And suppose you could conjure anyone you wanted out of thin air, who would be at your Christmas table?
“All the people who were at my surprise party for my fortieth birthday and of course grandma Lily and my dear friend Percy Irausquin, who passed away so many years ago. I think of him so often and always send his friend a message on his birthday and death day. Yes, if he were to join us, that would be very beautiful and special.”

De Jackpot and Juf Braaksel are both now showing in theaters.
And if you also don’t feel like cooking for Christmas, you can here order that delicious box:

And if you want to know more about Nicolette, follow her on @nicolettevandam1