Links to Norwegian Christmas sites
How we celebrate Christmas
Some traditions
The whole christmas holiday
How to keep a Christmas three alive
Some facts
Some recipes for Norwegian Christmas cakes
Christmas, the way it is celebrated in Norway
Yet the differences are less now than just a few years ago. Improved communications and increased intercourse between countries have led to an intermingling of traditions. And to a foreign guest the similarities between Christmas in Oslo and in London or New York may appear more conspicuous than the differences. There is the same hectic Christmas shopping spree, the big, lighted Christmas trees in the squares, streets decorated with garlands and lights, fanciful window displays with starry-eyed youngsters craning their necks to get a better view. And, as in any city, the adults dream about the good, old-fashioned Christmas the way grandmother used to celebrate it. But in Norway this is a dream that may come true -- for those who are lucky enough to be invited to a real country Christmas.Norway is located far to the north in Europe's north-west corner. Much of its territory lies north of the Arctic Circle. The climate varies from region to region, with mild winters and cool summers along the coast and cold, snowy winters and warm summers in inland areas. The magnificent landscape of mountains and fjords forms the perfect backdrop for nisser (gnomes) and trolls.Norwegians associate Christmas with candlelight, sitting around the fire, freshly baked breads and cakes, the smell of spruce and pine, presents and the Norwegian version of Santa Claus, Julenissen, who is a mixture of the Nordic nisse and the St. Nicholas of central Europe.Christmas is the time of the year when the sun turns and the days start to get longer. Since ancient times, it has been a tradition in Norway to celebrate this event with parties and feasts.We welcome you to celebrate Christmas the Norwegian way.
