Did you know that November in the Netherlands is one of the darkest months? You’ll get barely eight hours of daylight. This is why the Dutch invented ‘Sinterklaas’ celebrations early in November—to have something to look forward to. Children set out a shoe by the fireplace (or radiator) with a carrot for the horse, hoping for chocolate letters the next morning.
Another fact: wind speeds average 20-30 km/h, but can gust to 50 km/h during a storm. That’s enough to snap an umbrella pole, but not enough to lift a bike. The Dutch cycle in anything short of a hurricane. I’ve seen a woman pedal through sideways rain while eating a baguette. No helmet. It’s art.
And here’s a warm thought: November is the month when the Dutch start eating their famous erwtensoep (pea soup). It’s thick enough to stand a spoon in, served with rookworst (smoked sausage). It’s basically a hug in a bowl, and it’s mandatory to eat it after a long, cold walk.
Connecting to Daily Life
So, what does a chilly, damp November teach us? It reminds us to slow down. In a world that screams for productivity, the Netherlands in November whispers: hibernate a little. Light a cheap scented candle from IKEA. Read a book instead of scrolling. Accept that some days, your hair will be a mess and your socks will be damp—and that’s okay.
The Dutch call these grey days ‘prachtig grijs’ (beautiful grey). It’s a mindset shift. Instead of fighting the cold, you learn to work with it—to wrap yourself in texture, warmth, and community. November isn’t the enemy; it’s the month that teaches you how to appreciate a hot cup of tea and the feel of a wool blanket on your skin. And honestly, isn’t that a skill for all of life?
So next time you step out into that crispy, misty air, take a breath. Let the rain hit your cheeks. Smile at the cyclists. Then go find a cozy café with a fireplace and a piece of appeltaart. You’ve earned it.
