Christmas Eve                                                       
At 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve all the churches begin to ring in Christmas. After church, the family gathers for a holiday meal. Food traditions vary, but a porridge meal with an almond hidden in someone's bowl is on most menus. Not everything has changed with time. Before the family sits down to dinner a bowl of porridge with butter, sugar and cinnamon has to be put out for the nisse. Afterwards the family sit down to listen to the Christmas Gospel and then join hands to walk around the Christmas tree, singing carols. The children anxiously await the knock on the door, announcing the arrival of Julenissen with his sack full of gifts.

 Before he takes the presents out of the sack he always asks "Are there any good children here?" Shop-bought presents have gradually replaced the homemade presents that used to be common.

After the presents are opened and the excitement subsides, the family sit down again for coffee and cake.

Christmas food traditions vary from district to district. Coastal traditions are different from those found inland and the traditions of Eastern Norway are different from those of Western Norway. Years ago, diets reflected locally available foods and the resources and bounty of nature. In the coastal districts and in North Norway, the traditional Christmas dinner naturally consists of lutefisk, cod or halibut. In Eastern Norway pork ribs, pork patties, Christmas sausage, and spiced cabbage are served. Western Norway supplies Norway with delicious mutton, so what is more natural than salted lamb's ribs and sausage. Desserts range from cloudberry cream, créme caramel and creamed rice to fruit.

Click Here for a page outlining Christmas time traditions in Norway.