King Willem-Alexander says to care for what connects us in Christmas speech

King Willem-Alexander said that we should care for what connects us in his annual Christmas speech.

He said, “How wonderful it would be if every generation’s first goal were to hand over the world to the next generation in a slightly better state. Are we succeeding? It’s certainly not easy! “That children will have it better than their parents seems less self-evident than it used to be,” I said twelve years ago at my inauguration. The international situation has certainly not improved since then.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless! There’s so much we can do close to home. That starts with caring for what connects us. Our democracy and our rule of law. Our environment. Our freedom. And our responsibility for each other.”

RVD – Robin de Puy

He added a personal touch to his speech by referencing his daughters’ childhoods. He said, “Even though our daughters are now adults, I still remember clearly what it was like. Your world suddenly becomes very small. Everything falls silent. Everything becomes relative, except that little creature in your arms. You want to protect it from all harm, to make it happy. That primal feeling is very strong, even during the many sleepless nights.

“At the same time, you know: it’s our child, but the child isn’t ours. It’s been entrusted to us. Every child is an individual with their own talents and will. The unique character of each child is already evident in the cradle and becomes increasingly evident as they grow older.

“Parenting also means lovingly letting go. Children want to ride their bikes as quickly as possible without training wheels. To find their own way. They discover their limits by pushing past them. As a parent, you sometimes feel anxious. But making mistakes is okay, at any age! Only through these mistakes can you get to know yourself and develop into a complete and resilient person who can handle the risks and setbacks in life.”

The Christmas speech was recorded in the vestibule of Huis ten Bosch Palace.