Holidays Around the World: Norway

Christmas is a festive time in the "Land of the Midnight Sun." on Christmas Eve, farm animals are traditionally treated to the finest oats & barley. birds are remembered during julenek, when they are offered large sheaves of grain placed high on spruce poles. After darkness, it's "lights out" as homes are illuminated only by the warm glow of candlelight.

On Christmas Day, many attend church before spending time at home with family members. On Second Christmas Day (New Year's Eve), children celebrate julbukke by dressing up in costumes & going door-to-door for goodies.

the main event for Norwegians, though, is Christmas Eve. this is when they have their special Christmas meal & exchange gifts. that night, Julenissen visits, delivering toys to the children. nisser are gnome-like creatures protect the farms, and come out during Yuletide festivities to eat, drink & play harmless tricks on people. Julenissen (literally "Christmas elf") lives in the woods & barns across the coutryside. he is the gaurdian of every family's welfare, so children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft during the holiday period to thank him.