Living Up to Their Reputation

Last night, my department at the university had its Christmas dinner. I had been looking forward to it as a nice social event, an excuse to dress up a little here in ultra-casual Holland, and, of course, as a chance to indulge in a nice meal that I didn't have to cook.

Now, my past experience of workplace Christmas parties has all taken place in the States. And usually the conversation amongst co-workers before the shindig goes something like this:

"Hey, did you hear they got a band?"

"It's open bar. Woohoo! Oh wait... just don't let me get so drunk that I embarrass myself in front of my boss, okay?"

"I hope Eric from accounting is going to be there. He's such a hotty."

But in Holland, it's a little different. Here, there is one remark made above all others when you discuss the upcoming Christmas party with your co-workers.

Me: Hey Hans, you going to the Christmas dinner?

Hans: Yeah, of course. It's free food.

And while you might think that the Dutchman I chose might be an exception to this pragmatic (and, ahem, somewhat cheap) reason for attending a Christmas party, I assure you, he's not.

M (upon realizing that he's been invited to 3 Christmas dinners in a row): Cool! That's a good bargain! We don't have to buy any groceries that week!

Siiiiiiiiigggggh. I don't see diamonds in my future. Do you?