Fall Traditions Across Cultures: The United States vs. The Netherlands

Fall has finally greeted us this year! The temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, and the fall activities are starting. This week we decided to dive deep into what we like to do during fall as well as explain some culturally unique fall traditions. We honestly expected that there would be pretty big differences in fall activities between the United States and the Netherlands. However, we have noticed that some activities that are "cultural traditions" might not be so tied to culture after all. We have compiled a list of fall activities that are done in both the United States and the Netherlands to feel fall-ish.

United Sates

• Thanksgiving / Friendsgiving - Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a long-standing American holiday and tradition dating back to some of the original settlers. It is a time when families gather around the table to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. The centerpiece of this celebration is a large meal, including turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie. Recently, Friendsgiving has gained popularity. Friendsgiving is all about celebrating with friends, creating your own traditions, and sharing a potluck-style feast. It's a way to extend the Thanksgiving spirit to chosen families and friends, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and gratitude.
• Tailgating / Football - Fall, in the US, would not be complete without the the tradition and culture of tailgating and football. Even though I am not a huge fan of the sport, football, with its deep-rooted traditions and passionate fanbase, takes center stage during this season. Whether you're cheering for your college team or your favorite NFL franchise, the sense of community and camaraderie that surrounds football is palpable. To go along with the sport, tailgating gathering time for fans who turn the parking lot of a stadium into a pre-game party. Fans gather hours to days before kickoff, setting up grills, enjoying drinks, and sharing the excitement of the game. It's not just about football; it's about the shared experience and the connections formed over a love for the sport.
• Halloween / Trick-or-Treating - Halloween is perhaps the most fun and imaginative fall tradition, and defiantly most elaborately celebrated in the United States. Celebrated on October 31st, it's a day for dressing up in creative costumes, decorating homes with ghoulish flair, and, of course, indulging in trick-or-treating. Kids and adults alike roam the streets, collecting candy from willing neighbors or attend Halloween themed house/block parties. From haunted houses to elaborate costumes, Halloween allows people to explore their creativity and sense of play. It's a time to face your fears and embrace the supernatural with open arms.
• Bonfires - As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, people in the US (especially in the mid-west) turn to another fall tradition: bonfires. These gatherings around a roaring fire provide a cozy and communal experience. Whether it's in the backyard, at a pumpkin patch, or by a cabin near a lake, bonfires bring people together for storytelling, marshmallow roasting, and stargazing. This is probably my favorite part of all. Being able to be out in the cool air, sitting around a bonfire, chatting, cooking hotdogs or s'mores, with friends and family is a great way to spend any evening or weekend.

Netherlands

• Eating stamppot - When you're from The Netherlands you know the typical Dutch dish "stamppot." This dish is best described as a type of mashed potato and vegetable dish. The most typical one is with kale and potatoes but personally I like "wortelsstamp" the most. Which is stamppot with carrots, onion, and potatoes. Usually some sort of sausage is being served with the dish as well. The reason why this dish is served more in the colder months is because it used to provide a lot of comfort and warmth in the colder months, but also because it is made with seasonal vegetables that are cheaper and more readily available in the fall and winter months. Most definitely try it out! Let me know if you'd like a recipe :)
• Oktoberfest - This fest dates back to 1810 when it was first held in Munich to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. For this celebration citizens of Munich (Germany) were invited to join the festivities. Because this event was so successful it has been held annually ever since. Nowadays this fest has been adopted in many places around Germany and even in some places in the United States. Many people from The Netherlands travel to Germany for this festival yearly.
• Crafts with leaves and other things found in the woods - When I was a kid we used to go to the woods during the fall and collect a bunch of stuff like leaves, chestnuts, and other foresty goods. Many people would do crafts with these things. Me, however, I am not the craft type so we would mostly use it as a display in our home to give it a cozy fall vibe.
• Drying leaves - Along with displaying findings from the woods in your house, some people also like to dry their leaves. This is done in a similar matter as drying and pressing flowers. During the fall months, leaves turn into beautiful colors which can make for very pretty decorations in your house. Having real leaves as decoration in the house also adds a bit more coziness and life to it rather than having fake ones! Maybe pick up a few the next time you go for your fall walk!

Connecting Across Borders: As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds, people in the United States or the Netherlands share common past times during the season of fall.

• Pumpkin Patch (Farms) - From the rural landscapes of the US to the Dutch countryside, pumpkin patches (farms) are a fall tradition that unites people in the joy of selecting the perfect pumpkin. It's the place where families and friends come together to embrace the season, choosing pumpkins for carving, decorating, or baking into scrumptious pies. Often times these pumpkin patches (farms) have a small corn maze or some fall delicacy to eat as well.
• Fall Hikes - Whether it's the Dutch woods or the American mountains and woodlands, fall hikes or walks offer a unique perspective on the beauty of the season. The changing leaves create a breathtaking scenic views. There is just something about wandering through nature and being able to appreciate it's beauty.
• Apple / Pumpkin Picking - Apple and pumpkin picking bring people closer to the land and the delicious fruit of the season. The US is home to an abundance of apple orchards, which allow you to hand pick bushels of apples or chose the perfect pumpkin. Many times this outing results in fruit that becomes the center piece to several autumn themed dishes.
• Black Friday Shopping Deals - While Black Friday is most likely an American tradition, the Netherlands have Americanized their economic consumerism cycle to involve their own version of Black Friday. Shoppers in both countries eagerly anticipate the deals, sales, and discounts that are offered at the end of November. This concept has come to be known as the kickstart to the holiday shopping season.
• Haunted Houses - The fascination with the spooky and eerie knows no boundaries. In both the US and the Netherlands, this season brings forth the beloved tradition of visiting haunted houses. Whether it's a haunted mansion, castle, or a terrifying trail, these eerie attractions draw thrill-seekers in search of spine-tingling experiences.
• Apple & Pumpkin Spice Everything - When fall arrives, both countries indulge in the delicious tradition of savoring the flavors of apple and pumpkin spice. From various apple pies in the Netherlands to pumpkin spice lattes and pies in the US, these delectable tastes and fragrances infuse everything from drinks to desserts during the fall season.