Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great place to take a vacation with family and friends. If you don’t know much about the country then its time to learn, you don’t want to get there and not appreciate what you’re seeing in the Netherlands. A trip to the Netherlands will open your eyes to new wonders.

Brief History of the Netherlands:

The Netherlands is located in the North Sea of Western Europe. Their neighbors are Belgium and Germany. The people are Dutch and for many years they were under the rule of the Spanish empire. In the late 1500s the country of the Netherlands broke away from Spain and got their independence from them. You might be interested to know that the Netherlands flag is one of the oldest flags that are still in use today for the country. Its design is from the 16th century. For a few years the French tried to rule the Netherlands, but it didn’t work, and they pulled out of the country.

Correct Map Usage:

On your map of Netherlands you might be very puzzled if you compare an old world map and a new one. First you need to know that if you see Holland on a map its old, if you see the name Netherlands it’s the correct map to use. Holland is the old name for the Netherlands. Some people actually think that Holland is a city in the Netherlands, but that’s certainly incorrect. When in the country use a Netherlands map, not a map of Holland. A Holland map is plain outdated. If you use one, you’ll surely find your self lost.

Christmas Celebrations:

If you’re going to be in the Netherlands for Christmas in the Netherlands, then you’re in for a real treat. Christmas in Netherlands is definitely different. Kids don’t get presents from Santa Claus, but from Father Christmas. Also, the presents are received until January 6th of the following year in the Netherlands. The types of gifts the kids get are fruit, nuts and sweet candy in their shoes. Christmas trees haven’t been popular in the Netherlands at all. The weather doesn’t look like a white Christmas either; it’s usually mild to a little cold.
With your map of the Netherlands you can discover some neat things, but remember to use the right kind of map, and not a map of Holland. The people would welcome you if you got lost, but then again you might miss out on seeing something if you have the right kind of map. Take a chance and visit the Netherlands, you never know what might await you when you head out on the roads of such a beautiful country, and meet its people too.