Work and the Holidays

At some point during the Christmas Season your employer will usually plan a time for a party of some sort. This can range from a cocktail party with snacks to a full blown dinner or any and everything in between. Usually at this time the employees are given a "kerstpakket" or Christmas Package. These usually come in a decorative box , although I did get one one year that was a carry on suitcase. They mostly consist of snack type foods, coffee or tea, a bottle of something fun and depending on the theme of the contents, something you can use year round. I got one last year from my ex-employer with an italian dinner theme with all the makings for spaghetti, complete with pasta plates.

I have worked for my current employer in various positions for going on 6 years now and Miranda is very good at putting together her own packages while most companies buy them pre-made from a company over here. She loves doing it and takes pride in her creations. Last year our company went to the ice skating rink and our packages were a nice pan filled with the ingredients for a "stampot borenkool" consisting of a potato masher, potatoes, curly kale and smoked sausage. A really nice traditional dutch cold weather dish.

 This year however, our restaurant/hotel was very busy and she simply did not have the time to shop and put together around 25 or so packages so, for the first time ever, they ordered them. This morning we had a nice brunch together and recieved our Christmas packages. This years package consited of various candies, cookies, a cookie tin, chips, nuts crackers, shrimp spread, a bottle of water and a bottle of wine. There is also a cute little reindeer and a really cool kitchen clock. At least I think it needs to go in the kitchen with those spoons and forks its made out of.

I hope my family and friends have had a wonderful Christmas season and I am wishing a wonderful 2011 for you all!