In Norway, people prepare the Yule Log, which is a long wood that is set onto the fire to keep the whole house warm. The log will burn throughout Christmas Eve, with a portion still laid beyond the fireplace. People will further push the wood into the fire as it continues to burn, thereby keeping the flame burning for several hours. It is very effective in keeping warm during the cold winter months in Norway.
Many business owners close their stores on Christmas Eve to celebrate the season with family and friends. They will dress up and put grain outside their windows and doors for the birds. The church bells also ring throughout Norway just before dinner, which is actually an invitation for people to go to church. Afterwards, families have dinner together. The meal is very festive, with different dishes prepared like sausage, lamb, cod, halibut and pork ribs, depending on which side of the country you are located. Many people also practice the tradition of cooking Christmas porridge. The children should finish their meal and leave a bowl for Santa Claus, called Julenisse in Norway. Sometimes, parents would put one almond in the porridge. The child who gets the almond is said to receive a gift or a marzipan treat.
Norwegians like to cook during Christmas. They will have various meat dishes and baked treats like cakes, gingersnaps, cookies and roast pork. There will also be other items like mashed rutabaga, potatoes, Saint Lucia buns, pickled herring, red cabbage and vegetables. People like to have homebrewed beer, known as Juleol. Women may bake Julekake, or Christmas cake, which is filled with nuts and cherries. A marzipan cake may also be featured, complete with Norway flags.
Some people in Norway like to decorate their houses with Christmas items like candles, Christmas trees, wreaths and sparkling lights. Christmas wreaths are also hung on doors and windows. Other Christmas trees are set with blinking lights, stars, angels and other decorative pieces. There are some that place Norwegian flags at the peak of the Christmas tree. Kids are always involved in setting the Christmas décor because they find it very memorable and fun. They are also involved in preparing Christmas baskets, by filling these with toys and treats.
Norwegians like to gather around the Christmas tree to talk and sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes, children open their gifts. They also prepare the bowl of Christmas porridge on the dinner table for Santa Claus. Those who have been good in the past year can expect to receive toys and other treats. December 25 is a grand day for many people in Norway. Families usually spend time together. Others like to go to church and pray. There are those who shop and buy gifts for loved ones. Meals are always shared and families sing songs together throughout the day. Christmas is very special in the country and you can always feel the spirit of the season just by looking at the attractive decorations and bright lights in town.
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by:
The Flagman
