Little Scandinavian

Picture to the left shows my family holiday home in Norway. It was taken yesterday afternoon, in not less than -28 degrees.
Wanted to share it with you, as this would be the place we would have celebrated New Years Eve if were in Norway.
New Year’s Eve in Norway is a big celebration. Many city people will travel to their holiday homes, often located in the mountains, so Oslo and other cities can be a bit more quiet than usually. The celebration starts in the evening with a dinner party, where roasted turkey is on the menu. Hotels and restaurant are also hosting New Years Eve parties. The most popular places in many of Norway’s ski resorts are fully booked for New Years Eve within the early autumn.
Norway is famous for the fireworks display, that starts promptly at 12, with a countdown. The toasting of the New Year starts the moment the clock turns 12 and wishing the family, friends and neighbors a happy new year (and that’s when the mobile network usually collapses). The variety of fireworks is mind boggling, the sky is lit up with a thousand colors.

Dear Reader. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2010!
All the best
Bianca, the Scandinavian Mum

There has already been a few Christmas parties to attend to. And it’s always nice to meet family and friends over the holiday. The older generation would always love to see the children, and to share their excitement over Christmas. So a question that often is asked is: So did Father Christmas give you anything nice for Christmas? This is said with a big smile and lots of expectation, as they know that the children receive a lot of Christmas gifts, and so the conversation can go on and on for a long time.

In Norway the gifts is handed out a little bit different. Our tradition was to keep all the Christmas gifts under the the Christmas Tree. And then Father Christmas would visit during the evening, handing out one present to each member of the family. The rest of the gifts would be labeled with “to” and “from”, so everybody could thank the giver.

Moving to the UK made a change in our tradition. All the gifts are now under the Christmas Tree, and will be opened on Christmas Eve. Since Father Christmas is busy traveling around Scandinavia on Christmas Eve, he is no longer visiting the children saying Hohoho… He’ll make it to the UK during the night sometime, and we therefor have introduced the Christmas Stocking. Father Christmas usually gives them a magazine, a film or some arts & craft things to do on Christmas Day.

So back to the question, So did Father Christmas give you anything nice for Christmas? -Yes! I got a Simpsons Magazine!

That kind of ended the conversation.

Picture above shows Santa visiting us Christmas 2003 in Oslo, Norway.

It’s still Christmas, isn’t it? Even if the sale has begun, and some of us is back to work. “Digitalarkivet” the Norwegian digital archive have launched a “Christmas Card Carousel” containing several old Scandinavian Christmas cards. I simply adore these old cards, and wanted to share them with you. For inspiration and enjoyment!

Photos: Digitalarkivet

“Jul” is the Scandinavian word for Christmas. It is the same word in danish, norwegian and swedish. The greeting is “God Jul” meaning Merry Christmas in Norway and Sweden. In Denmark it’s “Glaedelig Jul”.
Christmas Eve is December 24th. Though Christmas Day is an public holiday, Christmas Eve is the high point in the celebration of Christmas.
Norwegians are quite traditional, especially when it comes to Christmas. In Norway Christmas starts with the ringing of bells from all the country’s churches around 5 o clock on Christmas Eve. Then after church service it’s time for the Christmas dinner, where pork is served. Then after the pudding with cloudberries and cream it’s time to gather together in a circle around the Christmas Tree, then walk around the tree, holding hands and singing Christmas Carols together. Later there is homemade cookies and sweets, while everybody is waiting for “Julenissen” (Father Christmas) to come. He’ll knock on the door, and say: Hohoho! Is there any good children in this house? And then he will hand out gifts to the children and adults. Sometimes he’ll be very naughty, like a few years ago. Beatrice later on told the Scandinavian dad (who sadly missed Father Christmas’s visit because he was in the bathroom) “Dad. I saw Father Christmas kissing mum!”
Well, anyway. After Father Christmas has left it’s time to open rest of the gifts that are waiting under the Christmas Tree. Then the children usually goes to bed, and the parents can sink down on the sofa and enjoy a night cup -with burning candles, the fireplace and the Christmas Tree as the only source of light. Then it’s Christmas -the Norwegian way.

And Dear Reader. Thank you for your support and kind comments. And I wish you a wonderful Christmas filled with the love from family and friends.
Merry Christmas – God Jul – Glaedelig Jul! – Nadolig llawen – Hauskaa Joulua – Fröhliche Weihnachten – Vrolijk kerstfeest- Vesel Božič – Joyeux Noel – Feliz Navidad – Feliz Natal – Gleðileg Jól – Buone Natale – Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia – S Rozhdestvom –

Baking is a fine art year around in Scandinavia. But come late November, most kitchens see a flurry of flour, sugar, spices, almonds, butter, and eggs when serious Christmas baking begins.
Danish and Norwegian families bake at least seven different kinds of cookies, a carryover from the 19th century when the number reflected a family’s wealth and status. The buttery treats are packed away in tins awaiting the first Sunday of Advent and the official start of holiday entertaining. That’s when Scandinavians especially love the ritual of gathering around the living room coffee table to enjoy after-dinner coffee and a dazzling array of cookies.
We have so far made “pepperkaker” (gingerbread men). Picture to the left shows Amélie testing the result.

So! Only six to go…
The Scandinavian Dad is as we speak in the kitchen, preparing for us to make some more. On today’s baking list there is: “berlinerkranser”, “sandkaker” and “kanelstenger”

The result (and recipes) will be published later on.

Looking for something to entertain the children with during the holiday? And have the children already been sitting long enough in front of the television?
The audio book from the author and singer Jane Butters is the answer. Both Beatrice and Amélie listens to the audio book during Christmas, every year. And they never seem to grow tired of it. They know the story and the songs by hart by now, and it’s turned in to a Christmas tradition for us to have it on as soon as the holidays starts. It’s also played in the car when travelling to see family and friends over the holiday. And then suddenly the car journey didn’t seem that long after all. Both the Scandinavian Dad and myself can’t help singing along too. It’s therefore something I wanted to share with you.
It’s sold directly from Jane Butters for only £10, each one individually signed by the author.
Orders by e-mail to santa@janebutters.co.uk
or phone 0131 225 5015

Some of the reviews from customers

“What a lovely collection of songs and stories – enjoyed by the whole family. Using Christmas as the theme there are catchy tunes which children will love to sing along too as well as songs which the older generation will enjoy.”
“Very catchy Christmas songs, and kept the children captivated – good stories too! Great for car journeys.”

Picture to the left is taken today, it’s the view from our sitting room. And it’s only 8 days left to Christmas Eve. Are you all sorted with cards, gifts, food and last but not least the Christmas outfit?
It’s snowing in London today. The sky is filled up with snowflakes, twirling slowly to the ground. I know it’s a long shot, but I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. I’ve just been to Amélie’s nativity play in School. And helping out several little girls getting ready, dressed as angels, really got me into that Christmas spirit. And then all the snow!
Then later, after a quick coffee with the Scandinavian dad in a snow covered Canary Wharf, I started thinking about the girls Christmas outfits. And as it’s so cold now I’m thinking knit / wool, velour or cord. Something warm and cozy. Most shops have had a pre start on their Winter sale already, so there is a lot of last minute bargains out there. And I need to remember to renew the pyjamas section! It’s always nice to have an excuse to buy something, and the up coming Christmas morning is a very good one! I love traditional flannel, but organic cotton is lovely too.


Mini A Ture Yannicki mauve shadow floral pyjamas set is a bedtime essential in its soft cotton and colours. Sweet dreams are guaranteed. £33 at Peace & Jam

The Tomten, by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, is a lovey Christmas fairytale written in 1962.

“No one has ever seen him but they know he’s there.”

This classic story of the gentle Tomten’s nighttime visits to all of the residents of a wintry farm has been reminding children of the promise of Spring for over 40 years. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

“And he speaks to them, in Tomten language, a silent little language that only children understand.”

Lyrical and beautifully illustrated. A Christmas bedtime treat, that your child will never grow tired of.

Visit Amazon, and why not have a look at “The Tomten and the Fox” while you’re at it?

Writing your wish list is one of many family activities we do in December.

Amélie has written her Christmas Wish List for the very first time. She is only 4 years old and has just recently learned to write her self. It’s written in some Norwegian and some English. On her list is:
Rabbit in a cage, secret diary, skateboard, stickers, stickers album, pc (I wonder what the Mac-loving Scandinavian Dad will say when he finds out!)

and lots more.
What’s good is that Father Christmas will have a lot to choose from. Especially after me adding a few items from Sofie Schnoor, Chill Norway and Memini…

- baby
1. Cherry Blossom Birds snuggle by Elodie Details, £15.50 at Nordic Kids

2. Miss Mjuao Moccis, £18 at Moccis

- toddler
1. Blue stars backpack by Sofie Schnoor, £25.45 Nordic Kids

2. Dusty olive needlecord pinafore dress with flower by Phister & Philina £24.99 at Just Dresses

- younger girls 4 – 8
1. Beautiful dark purple rainboots by Sofie Schnoor £30 at Rose and Robin

2. Soft velour cardigan by Wheat £18 at KidKid

- older girls, tweens and teens
1. Silver Polka Dot Small Jewellery Case by Lisbeth Dahl, £18.50 at Love It Have It

2. Butterfly Keyring by Lisbeth Dahl, £4.95 at Momui

- baby
1. Green rainbow Viking Chef coated bib by Danefae £12.99 at Nordic Kids

2. Crème and brown crazy owl bodysuit by Ej sikke lej at Barnyard Kids £18.99

- toddler
1. “Under your bed” Moccis, £18

2. Brown elk print long-sleeve t-shirt by Urban Elk at Barnyard Kids £19.99

- younger boys 4 – 8
1. Green Apple Beanie Smafolk £14 at Mash n Gravy

2. Blue and orange stripe bathrobe by Katvig £37.99 at Nordic Kids

- older boys, tweens and teens
1. Check blouson in lined serge/red tartan by Mini Rodini £45 at little Fashion Gallery

2. Funky Yellow High-Top Trainers by Molo £29.95 at Childrensalon

Maileg is a danish design brand of contemporary interior lifestyle concepts established in 1999 by Dorthe and Erik Mailil.
The Maileg collection has a unique authentic look and touch. The collection emphasizes contemporary season concepts within decoration for Christmas and Easter and a seperate collection for children.
Maileg Calendar Pixy girl or boy wearing embroidered dress or dungarees with numbered pockets. They stands at 150cm and can be hung on the wall. So if you are still not sorted with the advent calendars, visit Bijou.

Photo: Bijou

NOA NOA is not available online in the UK, which is a shame as their Christmas collection this year is so gorgeous.
However one independent shop located in Surrey, NOA NOA Reigate, has taken pictures of what they stock from NOA NOA Miniature. You then need to call or email them with your request. If what you want is available they’ll ship it to all UK residents. According to a friend who has done this the customer services is fab. Visit their site for more details; NOA NOA Reigate


Photos: NOA NOA Reigate, the NOA NOA Christmas 2009 collection

Little Remix is the Danish high fashion brand Designers Remix Collection’s children’s line. Charlotte Eskildsen designs childrenswear inspired by her women’s collection.
The brand is dynamic and is aiming to design for the female fashion chameleons that requires constant innovation and clothes with personality. Therefore it is difficult to set a specific style of the brand, but the collections are always of a very high aesthetic quality with wonderful details and exciting materials. My favourite dress this summer has been a demin dress from Designers Remix!
Buy online at KIDS of LUXURY

How sweet is this set for coming Christmas season?