Each December we set up our small Norwegian tree, display festive objects from Norway, and prepare traditional foods that remind us of an important part of our heritage.
THE NORWEGIAN TREE
The ornaments on our tree are tiny symbols of our Norwegian heritage. Traditional trees were often festooned with small Norwegian flags and handmade ornaments made of straw, wood, yarn and fabric. Some of our straw ornaments include tiny reindeer, pinecones, and baskets in addition to the the traditional hearts and sheaves of wheat. Some very special ornaments include snowshoes, mittens, a “stave” church, and tiny “Julenisse” elves.
Our son Karl’s Norwegian tree also includes some intricate straw starbursts. One is a large tree topper; others are smaller starbursts and an unusual star with a julenisse and little girl swinging together!
FESTIVE NORWEGIAN OBJECTS
We like to display our family treasures. Karl reads from the Johnsen Norwegian Bible that includes the family history. My Grandmother Sophia learned her rosemaling needlework as a girl in Tromso, Norway.
Although many of our Norwegian objects are relatively new, they provide a visual sense of tradition.
TRADITIONAL FOODS
Karl and I begin preparing for our joint Christmas Eve celebration long in advance of the day. We make ”Kyottboller” meatballs together to freeze, and Karl makes “Krumkake” cookies using my mother’s recipe and iron.
Our Christmas Eve smorgasbord supper may also include flatbreads with Jarlsberg cheese, sardines, my”lakspate” salmon spread, and a toast with aquavit or my “Juleglog” punch. Dessert might be Karl’s “Risengrynsgrot” rice pudding or my “Sotsuppe” fruit soup, and, of course, lefse, “Sotbrod” fruit breads, and Karl’s Krumkake cones filled with whipped cream. (We have an excellent resource: a book edited by Louise Roalson).
A traditional Norwegian table prayer reminds us to be grateful for our food and drink at Christmas and every day.
WE SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE IN JESUS’ NAME
TO EAT AND DRINK BY YOUR WORD;
TO GOD THE HONOR AND OUR GAIN,
THE FOOD IS RECEIVED IN JESUS’ NAME.
AMEN
WE GIVE YOU NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS GREETINGS: “GOD JUL”and “GLEDELIG JUL!”
Wow, that is a lot of tradition.
What wonderful family traditions 💕
What treasures ! Have a wonderful and safe Christmas.
What Treasures you have many of your ornaments are similar to ones that I’ve gotten as I travel through Europe but unfortunately it’s not a family tradition it’s just an Eclectic Christmas tree. Your food sounds absolutely delicious and I love the krumkake iron what a beautiful piece of work hope you and Tim are Will and enjoying all your traditions
What Treasures you have many of your ornaments are similar to ones that I’ve gotten as I travel through Europe but unfortunately it’s not a family tradition it’s just an Eclectic Christmas tree. Your food sounds absolutely delicious and I love the krumkake iron what a beautiful piece of work hope you and Tim are Will and enjoying all your traditions