Little Christmas Eve
Little Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Eve and the day after the darkest day of the year. It is a day of decoration, specifically of the Christmas tree. Up until this day Norwegians have been preparing for Little Christmas Eve with decorations, often home-made, and tree selection.
Our day started with a hunt in our forrest for the perfect Christmas tree. Spruce trees are most often used as they are thicker and have that Christmas tree shape (however, there is a debate in Norway whether a pine tree is better as it doesn’t shed as much). We were on the lookout for a gran, a Norwegian spruce. These trees do not naturally grow in Finnmark, the ones we have have been planted by Farfar a long time ago.
On the way we got to check out the frozen pond in the back forest to see if it was skate-worthy. It was even perfect for snow angels!
We found the right tree and Moose got out the bow saw.
The sheep had to be occupied with a treat as they were a little too interested in all this tree-business.
All our trees are too big for inside so we had to downsize our selection by cutting off the top, though it is still an impressive 220cm. It was a well rounded tree with lovely cones still attached.
With our bare tree in the living room it was time for another family workshop. Christmas workshops are a tradition in Norway to make decorations and prepare for Christmas. We have had several workshops making breads, pepperkaker and wreaths. This time we made traditional heart baskets, painted pine cones, pepperkaker hangs and paper-chains as well as something from Australian tradition – bonbons.
The kids had fun decorating the tree and are proud to show off their crafts. Now the tree is all set for julaften, Christmas Eve, where we will dance around the Christmas tree and lay presents for family and friends.
Subscribe
RSS
The sun never goes down during this season but the mountains to the East are so high that the sun still has to raise above them in the morning hours and an artificial dawn-effect wakes the city.
Towards the water in a beautiful pocket of leafy oak trees is the Byneset Church.
Even though the males are called bulls and the females cows, the muskoxen are more closely related to sheep than cattle. Make no mistake, though – this is not your average cuddly ba-ba-blacksheep! A grown animal can be 2,5 m long and weigh up to 400 kgs, and their long curved horns mean business.
In Norway, there are still Lefse recipes around from the 1630s! This is supposedly the traditional and original Hardanger recipe used:
Many English words actually come from old Norse language – brought by Vikings to England in medieval times. Here are some words you have probably uttered without realising you are speaking Norwegian!
The paper chain is lovely and reminds me of the paper chains and popcorn chains we made as children. Handmade is always the best.
It´s a lovelly tree! The Nordic traditions are wonderul and I think it contributes to the Christmas spirit, pass trough the generations.
God Jul
Brought back many happy childhood memories. God Jul!
Tonight we had a nice big bowl of Sodd after I finished making the Riscrem and Cardamom sweet buns. My family has lost a lot of its traditions since my Great Grandfather moved to America, but I’m trying very hard to bring some back. My son loved lighting the candles in our Advent Basket (i’m not good at making wreaths.) I hope your family’s Christmas is wonderful.
What wonderful traditions your family has! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and very happy New Year!
Blessings, Aimee
Wish you happy Chriatmas and all the best in the new year. Kind regards from China
God jul to all! May this season bring you lots of joy and happiness.
Moose and L-Jay
My Little Norway
I think there is nothing better than Norwegian traditions at Christmas. You look as though you had a fine time.