NORDIC FRIENDS LOUNGE 2 1
[ Nordic
point of view ]
Christmas in the High North
Candlelight and decorations made of natural materials instead of garish lights – it‘s going to be cosy! nordic friends gives an overview of how Swedes, Norwegians, Danes and Finns traditionally spend the festive season. Let yourself be inspired.
Elf Tomte is the little helper: “God Jul” in Sweden In Sweden, “julfirandet”, the Christmas season, begins with the first Sunday of Advent. This is when Christmas markets open, offering specialities such as “glögg” (mulled wine), “julöl” (Christmas beer), gingerbread and “lussekatter” (saffron buns). On 13 December, the Lucia festival brightens up spirits. A girl in a white robe, representing Saint Lucia, leads processions in schools, retirement homes and other places, accompanied by singing. 23 December is the “little Christmas Eve”: together, families and friends make the last preparations that Christmas elf Tomte didn‘t manage. On Christmas Eve itself, many families gather in front of the TV at 3 pm to watch the Donald Duck special. This is followed by the “Julbord”, a festive dinner with Christmas ham and herring dishes, and the giving of presents. The festivities end on 13 January, when the Christmas tree is thrown out the window on Saint Knut‘s Day. Dance around the tree: “Glædelig Jul” in Denmark Every year at the end of November, the new Christ- mas stamp “Julemærke” appears, designed by artists or well-known personalities such as Queen Marga- rethe. In December, anticipation builds up when the days until Christmas are counted down with the help of a candle. It is printed with the numbers 1 to 24 and lit every day. Things get sociable at the “Julefrokost”, a speciality lunch to which friends, family and colleagues are invited during the four weeks before Christmas. A highlight that not only the children look forward to every year: on 23 December, the Christmas tree is decorated with straw stars and red and white hearts or a garland of small Danish flags. On Christ- mas Eve, red cabbage, caramelised potatoes and goose or roast pork are often served. However, the dessert is also important: rice pudding with a hidden almond. Whoever finds it gets a little extra present. After the meal, traditionally, the whole family dances and sings around the decorated Christmas tree. Hiding the broom: “God Jul” in Norway On the last weekend in November, baking is a top priority in Norway: there should be at least seven types of Christmas biscuits. Also important: before the holidays, mops and brooms must be hidden to prevent evil spirits from riding them up to heaven.
On Christmas Eve, the whole family comes together for the feast. Christmas ham, beetroot salad and pickled herring are popular dishes for the occasion.
On Christmas Eve, church bells ring throughout the country between 5 and 6 pm. After mass, many Norwegians stay in church to sing Christmas carols together. At home, the “Julbord” feast awaits with many Nordic delicacies, including “Julekake”, a Christmas cake with sultanas and cardamom. In Norway, by the way, the presents are brought by the little troll “Julenissen”. In order for him to be in a good mood and not play any tricks, it is essential that he is also well looked after with food. Father Christmas is Finnish: “Hyvää Joulua” The Finns call December “Joulukuu”: Christmas month. At the beginning of the month, people are busy celebrating “Pikkujouluaika”, little Christmas. They meet in the office, with acquaintances or in the sports club, drink “glögi”, a punch made of currant juice, wine and spices, and hand out small gifts. On Christmas Eve, the Christmas Truce is read from the balcony of Turku Cathedral at 12 noon and broadcast on television. Finns also remember their deceased relatives at Christmas, so a visit to the cemetery is a must. This is often followed by a trip to the sauna. Then comes the giving of presents; even animals get presents. And did you know: Santa Claus lives in Finland, on Mount Korvatunturi in Lapland, together with many elves and reindeer. Anyone can write to him at Santa Claus‘ Main Post Office, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle, Finland.
ISSUE 02.2018 ISSUE 02.2022
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