A Traditional Scandinavian Christmas

Here at Pippins we have always had an interest in how other countries celebrate a traditional Christmas and could not think of a better place to start than Scandinavia.

    

Scandinavia is a region of northern Europe that geographically consists of Norway and Sweden (two countries that form the Scandinavian Peninsula) and the country of Denmark.

In modern times, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands (Faeroe) are also considered a part of this geographical area, especially in terms of cultural and historic relationships.

Christmas in Sweden

In Sweden Christmas begins with the Saint Lucia Day. The Saint Lucia ceremony takes place on December 13. Did you know that Swedish Christmas home decorations include red tulips? Christmas Eve is known as Julafton in Swedish. After the festive Christmas Eve dinner, someone dresses up as Tomte (Christmas gnome) who is believed to live under floorboards.

Christmas in Denmark

Be careful! In Denmark, the mischievous Danish elf Nisse plays pranks on people during Christmastime. On Christmas Eve, many Danish families leave some rice pudding or porridge for him so that he is nice to them. Children are not allowed to see the Christmas tree until dinner time on Christmas Eve (known asJuleaften) and parents decorate it secretly with home-made baubles.

Christmas in Norway

Norway also has an elf called Nisse, but with the features of a goat (Julebukk in Norwegian.) The idea of Julebukk is a very old one and was probably known by the Vikings. There is a special Norwegian holiday cookie called Sand Kager. In the afternoons, children go from door to door to ask for treats and goodies.

Christmas in Finland

When you spend Christmas in Finland, you will see that Finland shares some of its Scandinavian Christmas traditions with its neighbour Sweden - but then there are Christmas traditions in Finland that you'd never guess! A tip: Finnish sauna, anyone?

Christmas in Iceland

Iceland has many old traditions during Christmastime. Expect no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses! The origin of these "Santas" is centuries old, and each has its own name, character and role. A special custom for Icelandic children is to put a shoe in the window from December 12 until Christmas Eve. If they have been good, one of Icelands's "Santas" leaves a gift - bad children receive a potato!

Christmas in Greenland

While geographically not a part of Scandinavia, Greenland is a Danish territory and shares many Christmas traditions with the other Scandinavian countries. Did you know that Greenland has to import all Christmas trees, and includes whale skin in the traditional Christmas celebrations?

Month of December

December is a great month for a winter break in one of the Scandinavian countries. With winter activities in full swing, this month you will also experience many seasonal celebrations and Christmas Scandinavian-style. Cozy evenings in a festive mood certainly make up for fewer hours of daylight. Whereas the southern part gets 6-7 hours, it may be only 2-4 hours in the far north of Scandinavia. In certain areas of the Arctic Circle, there is no sun at all for a period of time (you will be amazed to see how well the locals have adapted to this.) In December, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy a typical celebration of Christmas in Scandinavia and to observe the mysterious Northern Lights.