Christmas begins a day early in the Little House as the Danish contingent likes to have their main celebration on Christmas Eve or Juleaften in Danish.
Lots of Danes enjoy roast goose on Christmas Eve but we prefer a ham. This is served with caramelised potatoes (truly delicious), red cabbage and peas and carrots in a light parsley sauce. The most important item though is dessert - the traditional rice pudding risalamande, made with whipped cream and chopped almonds and served with cherries (ours were in kirsch - yum). One almond is left whole and whoever finds this in their portion wins the marzipan pig! I know, it does all sound pretty peculiar and it's quite disconcerting to see everyone examining each and every almond piece in the hopes that they are the winner. This year it was little old me but I'm much too fond of the piggy, with his smart red ribbon, to dare eat any of it.
After the meal it's time for coffee and special Christmas biscuits and candy and then...Lotto.
This seasonal Scandinavian version of bingo with images of Danish decorations and Christmas characters is taken very seriously and is fiercely competitive. To start with, a line will win you a present and then a full house but a fair amount of cheating goes not to mention 'fixing' by the caller. Presents are small but beautifully wrapped and each with a red ribbon. Sometimes silly and often practical, this year they included lens wipes and ice scrapers!
Finally, exhausted by the whole event (and the schnapps), stockings are put out, a carrot for Rudolph and a drink for Santa Claus or Julemanden (literally 'Yule Man'). He is assisted with his Yuletide chores by elves known as nisse. These Danish-style elves are more tricky than their English cousins. Traditionally it's believed that they live in attics or barns. It's important to keep in favour with them or you may find they will play a nasty trick on you or even ruin your luck.We always leave a few extra Christmas biscuits to be on the safe side.
Interesting to hear about Christmas the Danish way! Thanks Helen. Enjoy the rest of your Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessica. It's a great excuse to start the festivities early! Hope the rest of the time is a peaceful and enjoyable one. Helen
Deletereally like the sound of that rice pudding and the sweet little marzipan pig! Don't think I could bring myself to eat it either. Interesting to hear about Danish traditions - I didn't know the main celebration was on Christmas eve - ours was a bit hectic this year but it's usually my favourite festive day. Hope you're having a lovely break x
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracey - hope that the rest of the festive period is more restful for you. x
DeleteYour table setting looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you - we inherited our china from a Danish uncle. It's Royal Copenhagen and I'm very fond of it though it doesn't go in the dishwasher!
DeleteI'm all about starting the festivities early, and a marzipan pig? Oh yes! I wonder if I could get one here in Oregon...
ReplyDeleteLovely decor and interesting traditions, thanks for sharing and happy new year!