The Yule Log involves a tree in Norway and the celebration starts on Christmas Eve. Actually, only a portion of the Yule Log can fit into the fire is the wood occupies more space in the room. The log is then pushed into the fire later on so that the home is continually warmed by the practice. Guests are kept warm throughout the night since the weather can get very chilly in Norway during the winter months.
On Christmas Eve, many shops are closed and people prepare themselves by dressing up and hanging grain outside their establishments for birds to eat. The churches ring their balls all over the country at dusk and people would attend church. On Christmas Eve, dinner is also served, which features a wide array of delectable dishes. Some regions will serve fish like cod and halibut, while those in the eastern side would serve pork ribs, lamb and sausage. Many Norwegians prepare Christmas porridge with an almond. Children are asked to finish their porridge and the one who ends up with the lone almond in their bowl will be given a prize. The award may be a treat or marzipan shaped like a pig, which will represents wealth. The Santa Claus in Norway, named Julenisse, is also given a spare bowl of Christmas porridge.
The people in Norway like to prepare a lot of food during Christmas. They will prepare several pastries and baked goods like cookies, gingersnaps and Christmas cakes. Other items that are served on the dinner table include potatoes, Saint Lucia Buns, mashed rutabaga, red cabbage and picked herring. Others will also have homebrewed beer, called Juleol, or Christmas fruitcake, called Julekake. A Kransekaka is a creation made of marzipan which features the flags of Norway.
Some creative individuals may decorate their homes with lights, wreaths, candles and other colorful pieces. Christmas wreaths are placed on windows and doors. There are also several Christmas trees filled with colorful lights, hanging ornaments and sparkling stars. Others will put
Norwegian flags on top of the Christmas tree or cake. Children are heavily involved in the preparations. They are usually asked to help make baskets to fill with candy and treats. These are placed under the Christmas tree and then handed out to guests during Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, family and friends also sit around the Christmas tree to share stories and sing carols. The next phase involves the opening of gifts. Children also expect to be visited by Santa Claus, who is believed to bring them toys if they have been good the past year. They will leave a bowl of Christmas porridge for Julenisse before going to bed. They usually get their gifts from the legendary figure in the morning. In Norway, December 25 is a special day and families gather to attend church and have meals together. There are several other traditions during Christmas that have been handed down from one generation to the next. People think of the holiday season fondly because of the good memories they had as children.
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by:
The Flagman
