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CHRISTMAS

How Norway’s Christmas traditions could be affected by Covid-19 pandemic

How are Norway's beloved Christmas customs likely to be affected by Covid-19?

Published: 25 November 2020 11:01 CET
Updated: 2 December 2020 11:56 CET
Health authority guidelines currently advise that private arrangements have no more than five guests in addition to household members. 
 
Local restrictions, in their current form, would also be likely to affect many people’s Christmas plans.
 
In Oslo, gatherings in private homes can be attended by up to ten people if infection control measures are complied with. A maximum of five people were until recently allowed in private homes in Bergen, with exceptions for homes where more than five people live, and where children have guests from their regular school or childcare cohorts. The city recently eased that restriction slightly, allowing household with at least four people to have up to two visitors from outside the household.
 
“If we are able to lower the cases of infection, then we can be more relaxed,” health minister Bent Høie told VG last month.
 
“But it’s very important that people don’t have to start their Christmas with a loved one in the hospital,” he added. “That, we do not want.” 
 
The government has promised that current measures will be reviewed before Christmas. As the holiday nears, residents of Norway eagerly await the government’s new Covid-19 guidelines for December, and are keeping their fingers crossed that they will be able to celebrate a traditional Norwegian Christmas. 
 
Here is a little of what those traditions entail. 

The history behind the holiday

Depending on which country you are from, the day on which you eat the traditional meal and open gifts will vary. In Norway, the highest time of the holiday is on the eve of the 24th of December.

Norway first began to celebrate Christmas in the first millennium CE, after Christianity was first introduced into the country. The established Roman custom was to celebrate Jesus’s birthday on the 25th, so this was adopted by Norway.

Christmas celebrations in Norway are a mixture of old pre-Christian traditions, Christian traditions, and modern consumer-oriented habits that are driven by advertising, as Roald E. Kristiansen, a historian of religion and professor at the Arctic University of Norway, explains on the university’s website

The tradition of having a Christmas tree inside is relatively new in Norway, although it does supply the tree for Trafalgar Square’s decorations each year.

The tradition of having a tree inside began in Europe at the end of the 1800’s. In the past, the Christmas tree was decorated with dried fruits, cakes, and candles. Now they are traditionally decorated in Norway with lights and ornaments and with a star on top. 

The Christmas table 

Companies are traditionally known to throw a julebord, or Christmas table, for their employees during the holiday months.

Unlike in other countries, it is not common for an employee’s partner to be invited to the company’s Christmas table. It is a popular belief that the party tends to be largely fueled by alcohol, and at least one coworker or boss will end up embarrassing themselves.

This year, the government has strongly urged against celebrating. Although Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the beginning of October encouraged backed julebord for staff, Oslo’s city government has, advised businesses not to go ahead with their traditional Christmas parties. Current restrictions in the city would make gatherings practically impossible.

Gifts and shopping

Like in many other countries, stores are extra full of shoppers during the month of December around Norway.

This year guidelines have been issued for holiday shopping. The Norwegian health authority NIPH, has made recommendations including trying to spread out shopping times to avoid congestion; regular hand washing; and avoiding public transportation wherever possible.

READ ALSO: These are Norway’s Covid-19 guidelines for Christmas shoppers

Seasonal food and drink

Marzipan is a popular treat during the entire month of December. The almond- tasting sweet is sold in most stores, made into well-known holiday figurines, and is a popular gift to give and receive.

Julebrus, or Christmas soda, is sold during the holiday season throughout Norway. It is traditional for different areas around Norway to have their own recipe. It is also common to hear a friendly debate between locals claiming that the Christmas soda from the region they grew up in is the best of them all. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lerum (@lerum)

It is a popular custom to hide an almond in a bowl of rice cream after a holiday meal. Everyone is responsible for dishing out their own serving of the desert, and the person who ends up with the almond in their bowl wins a marzipan shaped pig.

What you eat on Christmas Eve depends on where you live in Norway and what your own family chooses. Two of the most popular choices by far for dinner on Christmas eve are ribbe and pinnekjøtt. Although down in the south of Norway boiled cod is on the Christmas menu and up North, lutefisk is enjoyed. Popular sides include boiled potatoes, cranberry sauce, and sauerkraut. 

READ ALSO: How to celebrate Christmas like a Norwegian

Christmas markets during a pandemic

Christmas markets selling gifts, wool, and sausages are normally just finishing with their set up this time around the bigger cities in Norway. For a lot of residents, it is custom to visit these markets to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a cup of warm gløgg (spiced mulled wine) and look for gifts.

This year, the markets will look a little different.

Oslo locals will be happy to hear that the twinkling lights and smell of burnt almonds will fill the air at the Jul i Vinterland Christmas market on the city’s central famous Karl Johans gate this year, albeit at greatly reduced capacity with coronavirus measures in place.

A 90 percent reduction of the usual Christmas market will be effective in 2020, reports Aftenposten.

Although the popular ferris wheel will be coming back this year, are large number of other attractions will be absent. Visitors will have to register before entering the market and will be required to wash their hands on arrival. 

What is with all the stars in everyone’s windows?

If you are living in Norway, you will have perhaps already noticed a star hanging up in a lot of windows around this time of year. The Advent star, also known as the Christmas star, was originally hung in the windows of residents in Norway to symbolise the star of Bethlehem, a tradition taken from Germany. While it may still be a religious symbol for some, a lot of residents choose to hang up a star in their windows to bring more light during the darkest time of the year. 

Useful Vocabulary

  • ribbe – one of Norway’s most popular Christmas dishes. The full name is svineribbe and means pork ribs.
  • pinnekjøtt– lamb ribs. Also another favourite Christmas dish in the Norwegian culture. 
  • God Jul – Merry Christmas 
  • stjerne – star
  • pynte– decorate
  • gløgg– a warm drink often spiced with cinnamon and raisins. It can be served with or without alcohol. Popular alcoholic editions include red wine or brandy. 

 

 

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DISCOVER NORWAY

Discover Norway: Six great things to do on a rainy day in Oslo

Norway’s capital, Oslo, is still a fantastic place to be when the weather refuses to cooperate. From cosy cafes to world-class museums, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained.

Published: 26 July 2024 14:59 CEST
Discover Norway: Six great things to do on a rainy day in Oslo

Museums

The go to for many in rainy weather are museums. Thankfully, Oslo is home to many fantastic museums worth a visit, regardless of the weather.

A number of them are grouped pretty close together, too, which means you shouldn’t expect to get soaked between visits. Two of Norway’s most beloved museums, the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, are located opposite one another on the Bygdøy peninsula.

If you are only going to choose one, then we’d choose the Fram, which allows visitors to step aboard the polar ship from which the museum gets its name. The Fram and Kon-Tiki Museum will be joined by the Viking Ship Museum in 2027, which is currently undergoing renovations.

If you choose the Kon-Tiki museum, though, you will be able to enjoy the evening b watching the Oscar-nominated film on the expedition.

Not all the museums in Norway are nautical-themed. There are also two fantastic, newly built galleries, the Munch Museum and the National Museum. Both galleries have versions of Edvard Munch’s world-famous Scream, but the more coveted version is in the national gallery.

There are more than 50 museums in and around Oslo, so we can’t mention them all, but the Vigeland Museum, Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Noble Peace Centre, Norway’s Resistance Museum, and Museum of Oslo are among our favourites.

Some museums off the beaten path include the Vigeland mausoleum and the interactive Popsenteretmusic museum.

Take a trip to the sauna

Saunas, particularly those by the Oslofjord, have exploded in popularity in recent years. The moody weather provides a great atmosphere for enjoying the sauna itself, and the heat and relaxation prove the perfect antidote to the weather.

One thing to note for those hoping to take a dip in their sauna is that heavy rain can negatively affect the water quality in some locations around the city. This is caused by the overflow of sewage and contaminants into the water.

Still, this shouldn’t pose too much of a health risk when taking a dip – it’s just important to be aware that you probably shouldn’t accidentally ingest too much water when diving or jumping into the water from heights.

If you fancy taking the relaxation to the next level, there are also plenty of spas in the capital where you can enjoy an indoor pool and spa, in addition to the many treatments offered.

The cinema

This is a great thing to do regardless of your level of proficiency in Norwegian. This is because the biggest blockbusters will typically be played in English rather than dubbed in Norwegian.

Meanwhile, those trying to practice their Norwegian can either see a film made in the country or try to follow the Norwegian subtitles of an English-language film.

While cinemas in Norway aren’t cheap, they could be considered on a similar or slightly lower price level to movie theatres in the UK or US when including the cost of concessions. The Coliseum is one of the capital’s most iconic places to catch a move.

Bars, restaurants and cafes  

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants, cafés and bars in Oslo – and rainy weather is the perfect excuse to hole up in one while you wait for the weather to pass.

Håndbakt Oslo, Neongrut, Kiosk Kaffebar, Oslo Raw, Tim Wendelboe, and Fuglen are all great places to enjoy a great coffee, warm atmosphere, and fantastic baked goods.

Plenty of restaurants serve comforting food, such as Mad Love, Jungel Pizza, and ZZ Pizza if you fancy a slice.

If you want beef between two buns, Illegal Burger and Render Burger are considered two of the best places for a patty. San Francisco Breadbowls serves hearty meals in a handmade loaf of bread. Way Down South and Down South Deli serve BBQ and American deli food.

If a comfort meal means something a bit more international to you, Koie Ramen, Punjab Tandoori, and Dalat Café should have you covered for noodles, curries, and Vietnamese food.

For a more communal atmosphere with plenty of choices, Mathallen is excellent for lunch, while Oslo Street Food always has a lively vibe for dinner.

Some of our picks for bars on a rainy day include Henry & Sally’s, Bruun Larsen, Schouskjelleren, Nektar Vinbar, Grünerløkka Brygghus, Mysterud, and Café Nero. If you’re a cocktail aficionado, then Himkok has been featured on lists of the best bars in the world.

READ ALSO: Six cool and cheap(ish) places to grab a bite to eat in Oslo

Daytrip from Oslo

You could leave town completely if you want to escape the weather.

There are several fantastic towns within a couple of hours of Oslo that are well worth the trip, whether in the hopes of finding better weather or getting away from the city for a while.

Drøbak is just 40 minutes away by car and is home to a charming town centre comprised of white wooden houses and the impressive Oscarborg Fortress.

The Oscarborg Fortress is worth a visit for history buffs, as the site is home to one of the proudest moments of the Norwegian resistance in World War Two.

The former silver mining town of Kongsberg is home to fantastic hiking areas, such as the Elsedam and Svartåsrunden trails.

Fredrikstad is another fantastic place you can visit fairly easily from Oslo. The narrow cobbled streets and the old town make the city particularly charming in the summer.

Get outside anyway

A little bit of rain isn’t really a massive barrier from getting out and enjoying nature, at least in Norway.

The locals have a saying that goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” when translated from Norwegian to English.

Songsvann, Frognerseteren, and Grefsenkollen are all fantastic places to visit, regardless of the weather. While wet weather would likely put you off slippery, stoney climbs, there are plenty of fantastic trails in the tranquil forests surrounding Oslo that offer good traction even in wet weather.

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