Celebrating Christmas in Norway

I have spent two Christmas' here in Norway over the past 12 years Jan & I have been together and this one makes three.  There are some similarities but definitely differences.  Norwegians celebrate Christmas on the 24th where as Americans celebrate more on the 25th with a little extra on the 24th ;-).  We were invited to celebrate Christmas at Jørgen, Grete & Pia's house.  At home we are always very casual, but here in Norway we get to dress up

I wore heels but needed to keep my toes warm ;-) I love my ugg slippers

Jan's entire family was here this evening along with Grete's parents.  We had a very nice dinner of Pinnekjøtt Salted and dried, sometimes smoked, lamb ribs. These were traditionally steamed over birch branches – hence the name ("Pinnekjøtt" translates loosely to "stick meat").  In the eyes of an American, it doesn't look very appealing but it is yummy.  For the first course of dessert it was rice cream which is whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and rice porridge..its pretty tasty.  After everyone finished eating, it was time for some singing around the Christmas tree.

Even Julenisse joined everyone singing around the Christmas tree

An explanation of  Julenisse from http://www.stavanger-web.com/jul/christma.htm  Christmas Nisse (julenissen) which in most homes is more or less identical to Santa Claus. The "Julenisse" brings presents to all the nice children on Christmas Eve. He is not as shy as Santa though, since the "julenisse" delivers the presents himself. He does not come down the chimney in the middle of the night.

Next is the kids favorite time!!! These kids were super excited and couldn't wait to open their gifts.  

Little brother watching  

Big sister helping little brother

Pia & Rebecca having a tea party.  They are such sweet cousins.

Then is was time fore the main dessert course.  YUMMY!!!

It was a great time celebrating Christmas at Grete & Jørgen's house.  I think everyone was exhausted and then time for us to go home.  Santa Claus needed to visit our house and there was lots to do ;-)  

We spend some time playing with the new toys after we made it home but then it was time for the kids to get to sleep, remember the American Santa doesn't like children to see him or her ;-).  I think Santa finally finished his her  duties around 3am. but it was so worth it.  I actually think the kids slept until around 7, thank goodness.  It was full speed down the stairs to see if Santa had come down the chimney, of course he did.  They had so much fun opening their gifts.  Then it was nap time before the turkey & dressing went into the oven.  

After a busy morning

Here in Norway, the 25th of December isn't a big deal.  So it was a pretty relaxed day after the morning rush.  

I know its late but late is better than not at all.  More post to come soon...