A Cosy Christmas in Norway

by Amy Sinar, age 13, from York

Hello! Like most people, I absolutely love Christmas – the lights, the decorations, the food, and the feeling that something special is just around the corner. But recently, I learned about how Christmas is celebrated in Norway, and I have to say, it sounds magical. 

In Norway, Christmas is called “Jul”, and it’s much more than just a single day – it’s a whole season. The celebrations start with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas Eve. On each Sunday, families light a candle on a special wreath until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are glowing. It’s a quiet, meaningful way to mark the countdown to Christmas.

One tradition I found especially interesting is “Little Christmas Eve”, which takes place on the 23rd of December. It’s a time for families to decorate the Christmas tree together, watch festive films, and bake biscuits. In some homes, this night is even more important than the 24th, as it sets the mood for everything that follows.

Norwegian decorations are simple and beautiful. Many are homemade, like paper stars, woven paper hearts, and little bearded gnomes called “nisse”. These nisse are thought to be mischievous but kind creatures who look after the household – but only if you remember to leave out a bowl of rice porridge for them on Christmas Eve. If you forget, it’s said they might play tricks on you!

When it comes to food, Norwegian Christmas traditions are as varied as the landscape. One of the most popular dishes is “ribbe”, or pork ribs with crispy crackling, served with potatoes and red cabbage. In some areas, people eat lamb or cod, depending on where they live. For drinks,

Norwegians enjoy “Julebrus”, a sweet red Christmas soda made especially for the holiday season. And instead of mince pies, many families bake seven types of Christmas biscuits, which is a much-loved tradition.

Interestingly, Christmas Eve is the most important part of the celebration in Norway. It’s when families come together for a festive meal and exchange gifts. Many people dress smartly, and some even attend church services. Christmas Day itself tends to be more peaceful, with people relaxing at home, going for walks, or reading by the fire.

What I admire most about a Norwegian Christmas is how warm and inviting it seems. There’s a word in Norwegian – “koselig” – which doesn’t translate exactly, but it means something like cosy, comfortable, and heartwarming. That’s the feeling you get from everything I’ve read about Christmas in Norway: candles in the windows, snowy streets, handmade decorations, and time spent together as a family.

One day, I hope to experience a true Norwegian Christmas for myself. Until then, I might borrow a few of their traditions to bring a little extra koselig to our celebrations here in York.