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CardiganChristmas in Norway: Celebration and Traditions
Christmas in Norway: Celebration and Traditions
Christmas is one of the most heart-warming and expectant times of the year in Norway. For many, this is the season where family and friends gather, and you can feel the special Christmas spirit in the air. The traditions and preparations before Christmas Eve itself play a central role in this festive period:
Christmas preparations
Preparations for Christmas begin in early December. Homes are decorated with Christmas lights that light up the winter darkness, and Christmas decorations that give a festive atmosphere. Poinsettias, Christmas baubles and elves decorate the homes and the Christmas tree.
Christmas preparations in Norway are a time filled with joy, anticipation and tradition. It is a time when homes are filled with the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies, the sound of carols and the sight of twinkling Christmas lights.
Christmas decorations
One of the first things that marks the start of the Christmas preparations is when the Christmas decorations are brought out. This usually happens at the beginning of December, but some eager souls start as early as November. Christmas decorations vary from home to home, but common elements include poinsettias in the windows, Christmas baubles, elves, angels and of course the iconic Christmas tree. Many families have special Christmas ornaments that have been handed down through the generations, and hanging these on the tree or around the house is part of the tradition.
Christmas baking
Baking is a large part of the Christmas preparations in Norway. Most Norwegian homes bake at least seven different types of cake for Christmas. This includes favorites such as shortbread, syrup snips, Berliner wreaths and gingerbread. Many families have their own recipes that have been handed down through the generations. Gathering in the kitchen for a day of baking is a cozy activity that many people look forward to.
Gingerbread molds in stainless steel
Rolling pin with Christmas pattern - Perfect for Christmas baking
Christmas presents
Buying and wrapping Christmas presents is also an important part of the Christmas preparations. Many people spend a lot of time finding the perfect gift for their loved ones. In December, you can often see people rushing around the shops with shopping lists and it is not unusual to see long queues at the gift wrapping kiosks.
Christmas party
Many Christmas parties are also organized during December. These are social gatherings with good food and drink. It can be anything from a large party with colleagues to a quiet dinner with good friends or family.
Party dresses: A selection of party dresses to shine on the Christmas table
Suits: Cool suits with a Christmas motif for a more informal and fun Christmas celebration.
Advent
Advent marks the countdown to Christmas. Many people have advent calendars where you open a window every day from 1 to 24 December. For children, these calendars may contain small gifts or chocolates, while adults may have calendars with tea, coffee, cosmetics or even wine.
Christmas concerts and the performance
December is also high season for cultural events such as Christmas concerts and performances. Schools and kindergartens often have their own performances where the children sing Christmas carols and perhaps perform a Christmas play.
Christmas parties
After Christmas Eve itself, it is also common to have Christmas tree parties where people gather around the Christmas tree, sing carols, dance around the tree and perhaps get a visit from Santa Claus.
Christmas preparations in Norway are thus a time filled with traditions and anticipation. It is a time when you take time to be with those you love, and where you create memories that will last a lifetime.
