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Christmas season
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Richard Jernigan
Posts: 3433
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA
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 RE: Christmas season (in reply to Ron.M)
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However the current Norwegian customs arose, we found them charming.
We had dinner on Christmas Eve at the house of the head of the family, known affectionately as "Opa"--Grandpa. There were perhaps a dozen people at the table. The estate, which the Norwegians call a "farm", has been in the family since the origin of written records in Norway, before that according to the family.
Our son and daughter, aged 12 and 13 were seated at another table, with younger children. They were polite enough not to complain. Dissatisfaction turned to delight when halfway through the meal Opa left his chair at the head of the adults' table, and joined the children, regaling them with stories.
After dinner, we sat about talking, occasionally sampling the Scotch whisky we had brought. An unmarried uncle was called to the phone, and excused himself, saying he had to return to Oslo unexpectedly.
About nine in the evening, we heard the sound of sleighbells outdoors. The two little girls, aged five and seven, rushed to the window and exclaimed at the appearance of the Julenisse. He was driving a sleigh over the two feet of snow on the ground, propelled by six real reindeer. He was dressed as I said, just like Santa Claus. He tied his reins to a tree, mounted the porch, hammered on the door and demanded to be admitted.
The Julenisse came in, bellowing greetings, stamping snow from his boots and bearing a great sack. The little girls' blue eyes were as big as saucers. He said he had presents for the girls, but first they must sing him a song.
The little girls, blonde Nordic angels, obliged. Their voices were clear, their harmony true. It brings a lump to my throat to remember it all these years later.
The Julenisse then unpacked his bag, and presented the little girls each with a mound of presents. They held back politely until he urged them to unwrap the presents, whereupon they dived right in. While the little girls squealed with delight at each revelation, the Julenisse eyed a bottle of single malt. It was only then that I recognized him as the early departed uncle. The little girls never caught on.
After the presents were unwrapped and the Julenisse properly toasted more than once with cheers, speeches and liberal portions of whisky, he departed to the sounds of sleighbells and reindeer hooves crunching in the crusty snow.
A few minutes later, families began to arrive bearing blankets and bundles of straw--most had air matresses as well. The many children all spoke excitedly of the visit of the Julenisse. Each showed the favorite present they had brought.
That night the landowners and all the people who worked for them, and their families, slept on straw on the floor of the big hall, and arose on Christmas morning to a hearty breakfast.
RNJ
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Date Dec. 19 2010 20:32:54
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