Hello and God Jul! So, quite a bit of time has past since my last post! It's Winter here now, of course, and we have had a few good snowfalls mixed with a bit rain since it has been rather unseasonably warm lately. I've included a few photos of the beautiful winter snow-scapes and as well as some Christmas pictures, to give you an idea of "Jule" decorations and customs. I may add to these as the Christmas season continues, but here is a little taste for now.
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| View from my bedroom window |
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| View from the porch |
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| The Oak tree in winter |
I've also included a few photos of some foods. There are many foods traditionally eaten around this time of year--such as smoked lamb ribs, lutefisk, rice pudding, as well as desserts such as caramel pudding, chocolate, Christmas fruit-breads and saffron rolls, and lots of marzipan candies. Also there are Christmas ales, spirits such as the caraway-flavored Akevitt and of course, the mulled wine beverage, Gløgg. A good recipe for Gløgg can be found here: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/22/144101579/get-into-the-holiday-spirit-with-scandinavian-glogg
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| A good non-alcoholic Jule-Øle and a Marzipan pig (usually used as a prize for whoever finds the almond hidden in the Christmas rice pudding) |
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| Rack of Smoked Lamb ribs hanging out before being chopped apart via hammer and axe, and then steamed over birch-sticks for cooking |
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| Good picture of what they look like when "done" |
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| Coconut Macaroons I made from a freshly hacked apart and toasted coconut |
Below are a few photos of decorations for a feel.
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| Fresh greens: Holly, Ivy and Juniper cut from the woods used to decorate |
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| Christmas Creche |
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| Greens in the foyer |
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| Jule-post! |
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| Some wooden mushroom ornaments added to the greens, a nod to the beserkers of old... |
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| And the Jule-Nisse by the Creche, of course. After all, nisse hang-out in stables. |
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| Our tree with the Norwegian flags and straw ornaments |
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| One of my presents is a lovely example of Norwegian wool-work. |
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| The Nes |
That's all I have for now, hopefully I can get some more photos taken and posted soon.
