Full text and video of King Willem-Alexander's 2025 Christmas address in English

King Willem-Alexander delivered his annual Christmas address on Thursday with a speech focused on themes of unity, and valuing that which binds people in a society. He reminded everyone of the need to promote and support their communities, social norms, and democracy, and not to become "slavish followers of all-powerful, soulless algorithms." He continued, "How wonderful it would be if every generation's first goal is to hand over the world to the next generation in a slightly better state."

The full translated text of King Willem-Alexander's 2025 Christmas address

What makes the Christmas story so beautiful? Why does it continue to touch so many people? It has to do with its proximity and familiarity. The Christmas story binds the smallest and the greatest. The Savior of the world comes to bring us peace, not as a superhero, but as a newborn child in an "ordinary" carpenter's family.

It brings the message of salvation close to home. As a parent, you immediately think of your own children. You want the very best for them and will do anything to ensure that. And at the same time, you realize that their future is inextricably linked to that of all other children.

Every year, more than 160,000 children are born in our country. Perhaps you yourself became a mother or father this year. Perhaps you became a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt. Or perhaps you visited friends, colleagues, or neighbors after a birth. It's always touching to see a new life.

Even though our daughters are now adults, I still clearly remember what it was like. Your world suddenly becomes very small. Everything becomes 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 is our child, but the child isn't ours. It has been entrusted to us." Every child is an individual with their own talents and will. The unique character of each child is evident from the cradle, and becomes even stronger as they grow older.

Parenting also means lovingly letting go. Children want to ride their bikes without training wheels as quickly as possible. They want to find their own way. They discover their limits by overcoming them. As a parent, you sometimes feel a bit anxious, but making mistakes is okay, at any age. Only then can you learn to understand yourself, and develop into a well-rounded and resilient person who can handle the risks and setbacks that life can bring.

Beyond the front door, the wide world begins. The question is, what kind of world do we want for our children? How do they find the space to discover themselves?

They will not find that space in a world where mistakes are harshly punished, and where young people are afraid of being judged and criticized based on their appearance, their background, their sexual orientation, or their achievements.

We also do not want a world for our children in which disagreements and conflicts are continuously escalated, and where we threaten and discredit each other, both online and offline. Nor a world without freedom, where dictators claim victory at the expense of democracy and justice. And where we have become slavish followers of all-powerful, soulless algorithms.

Not a world in which our healthy living environment is affected by pollution and climate change.

Anyone who believes in the future of a newborn also believes in the need to work towards a society that offers young people perspective and understanding, with helping hands for those who stumble and have to get back up again.

How wonderful it would be if every generation's first goal is to hand over the world to the next generation in a slightly better state.

Are we succeeding? It certainly is not easy. "That children are better off than their parents seems less self-evident than it used to be," I said 12 years ago at my coronation. Since then, the international situation has not improved at all.

But that does not mean we are powerless. There is so much we can do close to home. It starts with caring for what connects us: Our democracy and our rule of law. Our environment. Our freedom. And our responsibility to each other.

Resilience and self-reliance are essential skills, but it is impossible without a community where people care for, listen to, and support one another. A sense of community is key. It is important to instill this in children from an early age.

Children step out into the wide world. No amount of fatherly love can help. You cannot always protect them from pain, or bad luck.

Let us therefore do our best to ensure that our world remains a liveable place where no one stands alone, and where the strong look out for those who are vulnerable or afraid, lonely or insecure.

The Christmas story brings us back to basics. We can all relate to it. A newborn child. A new beginning for all of us. The future is wide open. It is getting brighter again. We have moved past the shortest day.

I wish you all – wherever you are and whatever your personal circumstances – a blessed Christmas holiday.