De Kerstengel en de Dichter (The Christmas Angel and the Poet)

Act 1: Beginnen en Conflicten (Beginnings and Conflicts) 

Settings: Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven (Belgium) | London (UK) | Paris (France) | Amsterdam (Netherlands) | Rovaniemi (Finland) 

• Marleen Van den Berg is introduced as a brilliant yet deeply introspective chocolate historian, torn between her passion for the craft and the traditional legacy her father, Egbert, has imposed upon her.

• Lonneke supports Marleen with kindness but feels conflicted about the family's expectations, while Marlies provides a calming, balancing presence amidst the familial tension.

• Kristof Verhoeven, a poetic calligrapher, is introduced. He works with handmade inks, often quoting Rilke and scribbling verses—a quiet figure who finds solace in art.

• Marleen encounters warm and intuitive souls: Roos Van den Bosch and Gustaaf “Goos” Peeters, who sense her loneliness and introduce her to Kristof.

• Pastoor Herman De Smet offers gentle guidance to Marleen, prompting her to reflect on faith, choice, and the courage to follow her heart over duty.

• Bakkerij & Café Verhoeven, owned by Renske Verhoeven, becomes a cozy sanctuary where Marleen meets Wout, Els, and Fleur. Through open conversations, her authentic voice begins to emerge, lifting her from the weight of expectation.

• Teuntje Lauwers, elegant yet envious, watches Kristof’s growing connection with Marleen. Subtle manipulations begin—whispered suggestions and orchestrated moments of tension.

• Flashbacks reveal Teuntje’s childhood yearning for recognition from her eccentric parents, Gilbert and Annelies Lauwers, who bring flamboyant, theatrical energy to the narrative.

• Oma Elvire, with quiet wisdom, becomes a guiding voice for Marleen, whispering: “Je moet geen leven erven. Je moet er een kiezen” (You mustn’t inherit a life. You must choose one).

• In Ghent, violinist Tine Jacobs plays by the Leie River. The music draws Marleen and Kristof into a still, poignant moment of resonance.

• In Bruges, a moonlit boat ride arranged by Lennert Janssens sets the stage for the first flickers of unspoken affection between Marleen and Kristof.

• At a Parisian gala, Marleen is crowned the Christmas Angel—a moment of external recognition that starkly contrasts with her inner conflict.

• In London, an interview with Jef Van Hecke gently coaxes out Marleen’s internal tension between duty and desire, pulling her toward an inevitable reckoning.

• In Antwerp, Doutzen De Bock and Noëlle De Blauw mentor Marleen in public speaking and presentation—modern mentorship that helps her find her voice.

• In Leuven, Marleen visits the University Library, reflecting on her intellectual journey and her father’s legacy. Amidst the history, she finds clarity, balancing academic duty with personal passion as she contemplates her future.

• In Amsterdam, snowfall sets the stage for a fleeting, poetic encounter between Marleen and Kristof—brimming with potential, yet still held back by the weight of unspoken words.

• Marleen and Kristof share a brief, poetic moment together in snowy Rovaniemi, symbolizing an emerging connection and subtle, unspoken potential.

Act 2: Diepere Verbondenheid en Uitdagingen (Deepening Bonds and Challenges)

Settings: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany) | Vienna (Austria) | Prague (Czechia) | Copenhagen & Kronborg Castle (Denmark) | Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø & Røros (Norway) | Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala & Malmö (Sweden) | Brussels, Bruges, Mons, Liège, Hainaut & Namur (Belgium)

• Marleen and Kristof travel to Frankfurt, where their shared love for art and literature deepens as they explore Christmas markets, galleries, and cafés.

• In Berlin, Teuntje escalates her sabotage, manipulating Sanne Van Damme to sow seeds of doubt between Marleen and Kristof.

• In Munich, a sudden snowfall at the Christmas market leads to a moment of intimacy and laughter—nearly a confession.

• In Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Marleen, Doutzen, and Noëlle share a quiet evening in a candlelit inn. Marleen confesses her fear of love and legacy, and Doutzen and Noëlle gently guide her toward emotional courage.

• Kristof’s mentor, Maurits De Backer, advises him to stop hiding behind metaphor and be emotionally direct with Marleen.

• Pieter and Renske Verhoeven share their bittersweet love story, their honesty offering Marleen a glimpse of what meaningful risk could look like.

• In Vienna, Nicolien De Vos’ candlelit carol performance evokes something transcendent in Marleen.

• In Prague, the enchanting Christmas market becomes the setting for a tender moment between Marleen and Kristof.

• At a convent in Bruges, Zuster Theresia offers Marleen spiritual refuge and perspective, prompting her to reflect on her life’s calling.

• In Copenhagen, Marleen discovers a rare chocolate manuscript tied to her ancestors. Her journal entry: “Is liefde een verwennerij… of mijn erfenis?” (Is love an indulgence… or my inheritance?)

• At Kronborg Castle, the ghosts of her past—both familial and emotional—seem to rise. Inspired by Hamlet, she questions her destiny.

• Norwegian landscapes offer solace: in Oslo, Stryn, Bergen, Tromsø, and Røros, Noëlle helps Marleen balance her heritage and her evolving self.

• Marleen meets Nicolien in Stockholm, sharing a moment of mutual artistic inspiration and quiet encouragement.

• In Gothenburg, Marleen and Kristof share a quiet afternoon in a bookshop, discovering a shared love for Nordic poetry.

• In Uppsala, Marleen visits a historic botanical garden, finding clarity amidst the winter flora.

• In Malmö, Marleen and Kristof walk along the icy coast—no words, just presence—solidifying their trust before briefly parting paths.

• Marleen and Kristof deepen their bond through quiet moments: a candlelit inn in Mons, poetic snowfall in Liège, a shared secret in Hainaut, and a sunrise walk in Namur—each place revealing trust, tenderness, and growing love.

• Christiaan Verhoeven encourages Kristof: “Wees niet bang om zowel kunst als het leven te willen” (Don’t be afraid to want both art and life).

• Back in Brussels, Egbert begins to soften his rigid stance, showing signs of acceptance toward Kristof and supporting Marleen’s pursuit of true happiness.

• Henriëtte Claes, with warm chocolate and wisdom, comforts Marleen: “Jouw waarde is niet wat zij gepland hebben. Het is wat jij bewaart” (Your worth isn’t what they planned. It’s what you preserve). 

Act 3: Openbaringen en Voornemens (Revelations and Resolutions)

Settings: Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos, St. Moritz, Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux (Switzerland) | Rome, Arezzo, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Assisi, Venice & Verona (Italy) | Brussels, Ghent, Eupen & St. Vith (Belgium)

• In Zürich, a poetry reading becomes the site of a silent reunion—eyes meet, words remain unspoken.

• Tine’s violin in Lucerne mirrors Kristof’s aching silence—a turning point.

• Marleen and Kristof’s journey through Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos, and St. Moritz becomes a poetic winter montage of growing intimacy.

• In Geneva, Marleen gives a lecture on the history of chocolate. Kristof sits quietly in the audience, proud yet unseen.

• In Lausanne, Marleen visits the Olympic Museum, where she watches old footage of perseverance and renewal—realizing that her journey, too, is an act of endurance and grace.

• At Montreux’s Christmas market, laughter and pastry-sharing break through the cold—joy finally bubbles to the surface.

• In Venice, Teuntje and Sanne plot public humiliation at a masquerade. Roos intervenes, exposing the truth.

• A gondola ride leads to their first honest declaration of love—soft, snow-laced, and free of masks.

• In Verona, Marleen stands beneath Juliet’s balcony, pondering fate, but ultimately choosing agency over tragedy.

• In Pisa, Benoît Fournier gifts her a music box containing Kristof’s long-lost letter from Amsterdam—a letter that was never sent.

• In Florence, Kristof reads  reads his poetry in the Uffizi courtyard—vulnerable, raw, and true.

• Kaatje Goethals and Inge De Wilde craft floral Christmas arrangements, each bloom symbolic of Marleen’s transformation.

• In Assisi, Marleen finds solace at the Basilica of St. Francis, embracing both the sacred and the mundane as part of her transformation.

• In Rome, she stands beneath the Pantheon’s oculus and whispers, “Liefde sterft niet. Het transformeert.” (Love doesn’t die. It transforms.)

• In Arezzo, Marleen visits Piazza Grande, where ancient stones link her past and future, allowing her to find beauty in imperfection and embrace her vulnerabilities.

• In Milan, surrounded by fashion and mirrors, she receives a call from Lonneke: Egbert has softened.

• Back in Brussels, Emiel Van Hout’s piano recital becomes the stage for Marleen’s final decision.

• Visiting Oma Elvire, she shares her truth and receives quiet affirmation.

• Passing through Ghent, Tine’s violin echoes once more—the final haunting refrain, now transformed.

• In Eupen, Marleen delivers a heartfelt speech at a bilingual literary festival, bridging languages and cultures—a quiet metaphor for her own reconciliation.

• In a snowy chapel in St. Vith, she lights a candle for the women before her, honoring their lineage and choosing her path with peaceful resolve.

Act 4: Transformatie en Triomf (Transformation and Triumph)

Settings: New York (USA) | Mexico City & San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) | Madrid (Spain) | Lisbon & Porto (Portugal) | Brussels & Ghent (Belgium)

• Marleen embarks on a global speaking tour, beginning in New York—a journey not to escape love, but to transcend fear and embrace growth.

• In Le Coin du Temps, Marleen engages in an intellectual exchange with Pascal Dupont, sparking moments of personal clarity.

• In Mexico City, surrounded by vibrant colors and bold flavors, Marleen reconnects with spontaneity and joy.

• At San Miguel de Allende’s Christmas market, she finds herself embracing the warmth of community, feeling a deep sense of renewal.

• In Madrid, amidst the glow of holiday markets, Marleen reflects on the universal need for connection. Kristof arrives quietly, with no fanfare. "Jij bent mijn thuis" (You are my home), he says. Their reunion is soft, honest, and unspoken in its depth.

• In a quiet Lisbon café, over serradura and shared memories, Marleen and Kristof rediscover their tenderness, a moment of calm certainty and deep love.

• Among Porto’s glowing stalls, Marleen feels an overwhelming sense of belonging. The warmth of the lights, the sound of fado music, and Kristof’s steady presence reaffirm that love is both home and journey.

• Back in Brussels, Godelieve Hoste helps curate a mixed-media exhibit that weaves together Marleen’s letters, calligraphy, and chocolate artifacts.

• In Ghent, an intimate gathering of friends marks a transitional moment in Marleen's journey—she departs, not from anyone, but towards herself.

• Nicolien’s recorded carols fill the background, a reminder of grace, presence, and the ties that bind.

• Henriëtte’s final gift: a box of chocolate, symbolizing enduring, sweet love.

Act 5: Thuiskomst en Harmonie (Homecoming and Harmony)

Setting: Brussels, Belgium

• Marleen and Kristof return to Brussels on Christmas Eve, greeted by the warmth of home and the festive glow of Christmas lights.

• Marie-Françoise Dufresne ensures the Christmas market runs smoothly, creating a magical backdrop for Marleen and Kristof’s homecoming.

• A surprise gathering in Brussels brings together friends and family for a celebration filled with music, laughter, and light.

• Tine plays joyfully in the Christmas market, her music now vibrant and celebratory, no longer mournful.

• Pastoor Herman officiates the Christmas Eve Mass, blessing the community and symbolizing spiritual unity and hope in the story’s resolution.

• Oma Elvire, now frailer but wiser, offers her final counsel: “Het hart herinnert wat de geest vergeet” (The heart remembers what the mind forgets).

• Dorien Dewulf, the owner of De Winterbrood Bakkerij, gifts kerstbrood (Christmas bread), while Nicolien and Tine perform during the church service.

• Egbert proudly opens the doors of Chocolaterie Van den Berg, Lonneke unveils a new chocolate collection honoring love, and Marlies oversees the kitchen with calm joy.

• Pieter, Renske, and Christiaan warmly welcome everyone at Bakkerij & Café Verhoeven, serving spiced bread and sharing stories, anchoring the celebration in comfort and continuity.

• As snow falls on the Grand Place, Marleen and Kristof walk hand in hand, symbolizing unity, love, and the fulfillment of their journey.

Main Characters:

• Marleen Van den Berg – A passionate, intelligent, and rebellious chocolate historian from a diplomatic family, torn between preserving tradition and following her heart.

• Kristof Verhoeven – A sensitive and poetic calligrapher who quietly wins Marleen's heart with his art and sincerity.

• Teuntje Lauwers – A dazzling theatre actress who envies the growing love between Marleen and Kristof.

Supporting Characters:

• Egbert Van den Berg – A stern, tradition-bound diplomat who is initially skeptical of Kristof but eventually comes to approve of him.

• Lonneke Van den Berg – Marleen's mother and the owner of Chocolaterie Van den Berg. Kind yet conflicted, she secretly understands her daughter's yearning for something more.

• Marlies Van den Berg – Marleen's younger sister; a quiet pillar of strength who anchors the family with her steadiness and wisdom amid emotional storms.

• Oma Elvire Van den Berg – Marleen’s grandmother; a wise, nostalgic woman who values family traditions and Christmas customs. She encourages Lonneke to follow her heart, offering a respectable, safe presence, but lacking Kristof's passion.

• Godelieve Hoste – Marleen's neighbor and a schoolteacher who teaches French and Dutch. She quietly supports Marleen, helping her embrace her true self amid the pressures of tradition and expectation.

• Pieter Verhoeven – Kristof's father; a wise, reserved philosophy professor who subtly guides him toward emotional depth and authenticity, shaping those around him with insights on love and self-discovery.

• Renske Verhoeven – Kristof's mother; warm-hearted and nurturing, she runs Bakkerij & Café Verhoeven, a modest café near the Senne River. Known in the neighborhood for her homemade kerstkoeken (Christmas cookies).

• Christiaan Verhoeven – Sensitive and artistic like Kristof, but more grounded. He often mediates family conflicts.

• Marie-Françoise Dufresne – The organizer of Christmas market events who supports the Verhoeven family.

• Wout De Clercq – A young apprentice baker working alongside Renske to prepare kerstkoeken for Christmas. Enthusiastic and earnest, he embodies hope and the joy of the season.

• Roos Van den Bosch – Marleen’s close friend, a polished socialite who navigates Brussels’ elite circles.

• Gustaaf “Goos” Peeters – A restoration architect and Kristof's longtime friend. Practical, warm, and quick-witted, he offers a grounded perspective on life and love.

• Pastoor Herman De Smet – The parish priest who presides over significant moments, such as Christmas Mass, offering spiritual guidance and fostering community connection.

• Zuster Theresia Van Aken – A nun from a small convent in Bruges who offers Marleen spiritual guidance, helping her navigate her inner conflict and find clarity in her choices.

• Fleur Dubois – A warm and supportive friend to Marleen, working at Bakkerij & Café Verhoeven. Her charm and empathy help create a trusting environment that aids Marleen’s personal growth.

• Henriëtte Claes – The head chocolatier at Chocolaterie Van den Berg, crafting exclusive Christmas collections. She provides emotional support and offers homemade chocolates as comfort during Marleen’s moments of doubt.

• Maurits De Backer – A poetic bookseller and mentor to Kristof, encouraging his poetry and artistic soul. He serves as a voice of creative freedom and hope.

• Benoît Fournier – An antique dealer with a shop near Oma Elvire’s home. He often reminisces about past Christmases and helps Marleen uncover a long-forgotten love letter from Kristof, hidden in an old music box, sparking her journey to reconnect with him.

• Kaatje Goethals – A local florist who supplies Christmas arrangements to the Van den Berg family. Observant and discreet, she often overhears key conversations.

• Nicolien De Vos – An energetic singer who brings warmth to the coldest winter nights with her Christmas carols. Fiercely loyal to her mentor, Kaatje.

• Inge De Wilde – The owner of a small boutique that sells handmade Christmas decorations and often collaborates with Kaatje.

• Lennert Janssens – The owner of a canal boat tour company in Bruges. He offers romantic settings and local legends for the lovers’ journey.

• Tine Jacobs – A young violinist from Ghent who performs at the Christmas market, frequently crossing paths with Kristof and reflecting the melancholy of his longing.

• Emiel Van Hout – A refined pianist known for his elegant Christmas recitals at upscale venues, such as the Van den Berg family events.

• Pascal Dupont – The owner of Le Coin du Temps, a cozy café near the Grand Place, known for its strong coffee and sharp wit. He befriends Marleen during moments of doubt and offers worldly advice.

• Gilbert Lauwers – Teuntje's father; a retired circus performer and former director of a small traveling theatre troupe.

• Annelies Lauwers – Teuntje's mother; poet and playwright, deeply philosophical, influencing Teuntje’s inner world.

• Jef Van Hecke – A seasoned journalist covering cultural events in Brussels. Known for his keen insight and dry humor, he occasionally interviews Marleen about her family’s diplomatic world.

• Noëlle De Blauw – A chic event planner organizing the Christmas balls of Brussels' elite. Always present, yet rarely noticed—but she observes everything.

• Doutzen De Bock – A renowned couturière, celebrated for her exquisite Christmas gown designs.

• Dorien Dewulf – The owner of De Winterbrood Bakkerij, a small artisanal bakery specializing in traditional Flemish kerstbrood (Christmas bread). She shares warmth and community spirit with Oma Elvire.

• Sanne Van Damme – A ballet dancer and longtime confidante of Teuntje.

Primary Setting: Brussels, Belgium 

Other Settings: Belgium (Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven, Mons, Liège, Hainaut, Namur, Eupen & St. Vith) | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Paris, France | London, UK | Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich & Rothenburg ob der Tauber) | Vienna, Austria | Switzerland (Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva, Davos, St. Moritz, Gstaad, Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux) | Italy (Rome, Arezzo, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Assisi, Venice & Verona) | New York, USA | Mexico (Mexico City & San Miguel de Allende) | Madrid, Spain | Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) | Rovaniemi, Finland | Denmark (Copenhagen & Kronborg Castle) | Sweden (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala & Malmö) | Norway (Oslo, Styrn, Bergen, Tromsø & Røros)