Atterbury Europe’s group accountant Altus Swanepoel has lived in the Netherlands for a few years now, but this will be his first Atterbury Christmas. He shares his festive season plans.
What do you like about this time of year in the Netherlands, and was there anything that took getting used to compared to a festive season back home in SA?
This time of the year is very colourful as most Dutch cities and towns are decorated with Christmas lights. Many cities host Christmas markets where people can shop for holiday gifts, enjoy seasonal treats (such as oliebollen – deep-fried dough balls topped with castor sugar), and experience the festive atmosphere. The main thing that I had to get used to was the fact that December is business as usual in the Netherlands. The Dutch do not take long December holidays like we do in South Africa. If they do take leave they usually work until the day before Christmas and start work again during the first week of January. Some people do not even take leave in December at all.
How will you be spending Christmas this year?
We will spend time with family in Dubai.
What is your favourite childhood Christmas memory?
My grandparents farmed in the Rouxville district in the Free State in the 90s. During our Christmas holidays all the grandkids would spend the days horse-riding and playing cowboys and crooks. They had a very large lawn which was perfect for sports such as rugby and cricket. On Christmas Eve my uncle usually dressed up like Santa and handed out all the gifts.
Can you remember the best Christmas present you ever got?
A fishing rod when I was about nine years old. That year we were in Struisbaai for Christmas.
If Santa were to bring you the ultimate present this year, what would that be?
A built-in braai area.
What is your favourite Christmas music? Boney M – Mary’s Boy Child, or Silent Night, Holy Night … or anything else that comes to mind?
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé
What has been a highlight of your first year in the Atterbury Europe family ?
There were many highlights this year. The major one would be all the new people I met, learning from each one in the team and how they made me feel part of the team from the very first day.
