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.
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Runes were the written language of the Vikings.
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.