Warm Christmas Celebration in Scandinavia

Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark form the Scandinavian countries and it is situated in the northern hemisphere. Due to its geographic location, the region experiences the darkest time of the year during December, with long nights and short days. The festival Christmas brings in the much required brightness and cheer to this season. The weather is cold and the outdoor is dark but the homes are warm and bright with the use of candles which is called by them as levende lys (living light). Christmas eve is celebrated with much fervor in Scandinavian countries. Yuletide or the winter solstice which has close connection with Christmas across the world, springs from Scandinavia. Christmas in Scandinavia is triggered off with the first advent (countdown) which is observed on the first Sunday of December and ends with the fourth advent. The preparation for the Christmas celebration, like the decoration of house and garden begins on the first advent. The entire house is decorated with light bulbs, tinsels, candles and the garden too is lit up. On December 13th the Lucia night is celebrated to venerate St Lucia, an Italian saint, who brought food to the Christians who hid in the catacombs of Rome. To avoid carrying a torch with her, she wore a wreath in her hair laid with candles to light her way in the darkness so that her hands can be used for carrying more food. Though an Italian legend, the day is celebrated as a part of Christmas in Scandinavia. Special Christmas markets are an additional benefit of otherwise dreary season. Saffron buns and mulled wines being a specialty of this season, is sold in every shops. Gothenburg in Sweden has the largest Christmas market in Scandinavia. Many traditional food delicacies are served by the restaurants here during this season. Christmas in Scandinavia is celebrated more or loess in the same manner in the four countries,

Christmas in Finland:

The Finnish people, after cleaning their homes, ties a sheaf of grain, nuts and seeds on a pole outside their house to feed the birds. Then they decorate the branch of fir tree which is either cut from their backyard or brought from the market .The Christmas dinner or joulupöytä consists of ham, roast suckling pig or a roasted ham.

Christmas Day in Norway

Apart from the regular festive preparations and celebrations, the special rice porridge which is served the day after Christmas  has a hidden almond in it. The person who finds it is rewarded with a gift. This porridge is served to please “Julenissen”.

Christmas in Sweden

December 24 is welcomed much by the children in Sweden as that is the day when Jultomte (equivalent to Santa Claus) brings the gifts to them.

Christmas in Denmark

Denmark celebrates Juleaften  or Christmas eve with a rather elaborate dinner consisting of  roast pork, roast duck or roast goose and eaten with potatoes and  red cabbage. The tradition of almond in the porridge is observed in Denmark too.