What foods do people in the Netherlands eat on Christmas?

In the Netherlands, people traditionally eat a variety of foods during Christmas:

1. Kerststol: This is a special Christmas bread that is sweet and slightly spiced, often filled with raisins and candied fruit, and topped with almond paste and icing.

2. Gourmetten: This is a popular holiday dining tradition where small pans are placed in the center of the table and friends or family cook small bites of meat, fish, vegetables, or pancakes on them, dipping the cooked items in various sauces.

3. Wild Game: Venison, pheasant, and other game meats are often featured during Christmas meals.

4. Roast Goose: Roast goose is a traditional main dish in some parts of the Netherlands. It is often stuffed with apples and prunes and served with red cabbage and mashed potatoes.

5. Olibollen: These are Dutch doughnuts, usually filled with raisins or currants and deep-fried. They are often sprinkled with powdered sugar and eaten as a festive treat.

6. Speculaas: These are spiced shortcrust cookies, often intricately shaped, that are popular during the holidays and are often served alongside cups of coffee or tea.

7. Marzipan: Marzipan candies, in various shapes and often depicting seasonal motifs like Christmas trees or Santas, are widely enjoyed around Christmas.

8. Appelflap: This is a popular pastry similar to an apple turnover, consisting of a flaky crust filled with sliced apples and cinnamon and deep-fried.

It's important to note that food traditions can vary across regions and households within the Netherlands, so there might be regional variations or personal preferences that influence the exact dishes served on Christmas.