Christmas traditions create special memories. Since both sides of my family are from Norway, our celebrations always incorporated many of the foods, decorations and Christmas Eve celebrations.
Now that I've been married for 27 years to someone who is not Norwegian, we've adopted a few of his family's traditions into ours. But I love to remember many of the Christmases when I was growing up.
St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 in Norway. A girl is chosen to wear a wreath of candles on her head to represent St. Lucia. My niece Kristin is wearing the wreath at our Sons of Norway Christmas celebration. Her sister Katie is standing beside her. (Both girls are grown now) My friend L-Jay writes all about A Norwegian Christmas on her blog My Little Norway.
Norwegians love their Julenisse or little elves. Here I have my Norwegian Christmas elf seated with a very American Bullwinkle. You know us Norwegian Americans!
I love to bake Norwegian Christmas cake every year. That is one tradition that I will keep.
I love the smell of cardamom. This is a Norwegian spice that is often used in baking. My Norwegian waffles wouldn't be the same without cardamom. I make these every Christmas and many other times during the year.
Although Norwegian meatballs are not a typical meal for Christmas, I love to make it during this season. I know my dad wishes he lived close by me because this is his favorite meal. Norwegian meatballs and mashed potatoes and ...Dad has his happy smile on.
Thankfully, my mother gave me many of her beautiful Norwegian linens. I always put this one on the table every Christmas.
There are always a few Norwegian decorations for the Christmas tree, of course. Can you find one in this photo?
Photo Credit: Iris Nelson of Grace Alone |
This last photo is one of me that was taken several years ago. We were living in our dream home and life was good. However, even though my life has changed in so many ways my faith is strong. God is good and I never forget the reason for the season; the birth of Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
Blessings and love,