One of the things I like the most about the Norwegian Winter is Christmas time. There’s so much to enjoy and to do. Preparing for Christmas is a mood booster for me.
This year, due to Corona pandemic, it seems like Norwegians have begun to decorate their houses a little earlier and with more enthusiasm. It’s like: bring the light to fight the darkness.
Let’s get cozy! It’s one of Norwegians mostly spoken expression. “Vi koser oss”. I love it.
Let’s enjoy and make the best of Christmas time. Regardless of your beliefs, it’s a peaceful time. Here’s what I usually do to get cozy.
Decoration
As the sun goes down very early, you can see all the beautiful lights at your neighbors windows on your way home. I love all kinds of candles and lights. The star is my favorite.
Making your own wreath. Last year, I was supposed to join my Norwegian friends at a flower shop. The lady would teach us to make Christmas wreaths. Unfortunately I got sick and missed it. But I didn’t give up. I found a video teaching the technique, and managed to make my own wreath all by myself. It felt so good. The whole process: finding leaves and moss, placing them, step by step. I think trying and learning to make new things are very exciting.
Hearts are popular in Norway.
Food and beverages.
Have you ever tasted gløgg? It’s a delicious warm drink that tastes like cinnamon. It can be made with or without alcohol. Some people put raisins and nuts in the cup as well. It’s very cozy to meet with friends, sit in the sofa and drink gløgg.
There’s gingerbread cookies wherever you go. They’re very popular at schools but also at offices and stores. What children love the most is: Gingerbread house.It’s very traditional here in Norway. In some cities there’s gingerbread city exhibition at museums. My God it smells good. I recommend you eat ginger bread cookies before you enter an exhibition.
You can make gingerbread houses yourself. It’s easy, trust me. It’s great to do together with children. You buy the dough and cut as you like, set in the oven for about 8 minutes, and it’s ready. Just wait for it to cools and you can decorate with m&ms, jelly beans, etc.
Every year there’s a gingerbread town in Norsk Oljemuseet in Stavanger. It smells so good. 
I first tasted gløgg last year, at my friend’s house. I just loved it.
Clothes and accessories.
I got inspired by two films: Bridget Jone’s Diary and Bad Moms 2. As classic scene when Bridget sees Mark Darcy wearing that reindeer sweater, which was considered cheesy at that time, now seems to be trendy. I have two sweaters which I wear every year from November 20th until December 27th. Don’t worry if you are the only one at the supermarket wearing a reindeer sweater. Think you’re making others happy.
Bad Moms 2, they wear Christmas pajamas all day on the 25th. I did it last year and it was fun.
I also have earrings and hair accessories. They cheer me up.
For some people, Christmas is not such a happy season. Those who suffer from Winter Blues. The dark Winter days, lack of sunlight, and these coronavirus years when we can’t visit our beloved ones also may trigger depression. I’ve been through that and I’ve overcome it. Even better: I’ve developed techniques to avoid it from happening again. Here’s my ebook to help you. How to avoid Winter Depression is available on Amazon.com. Just click here to buy it.
Music.
In Norway, there’s a radio station that plays only Christmas songs from mid November till the end of December. I like it a lot!! Specially on my way to work. It’s a mood booster for me.
“I saw mamma kissing Santa”. And, of course, “All I want for Christmas is you”. Here is my Spotify playlist called Feel good Christmas songs. Check it out. 😊
Films.
The family’s traditional movies are:
Tre nøtter til Askepott. This is a Norwegian classic. All Norwegians watch it on Christmas day. The production is from 1975, form Tchek Republic.
Love Actually. No comments. A must see.
Home for Christmas. It’s a super cute Norwegian tv show that you can watch with English subtitles. On Netflix. A woman in her 30’s who said she would bring a boyfriend on Christmas eve. She has to find herself one. Check my favorite Norwegian tv shows here.
Advent calendar. It’s a tradition among Norwegians. A long thin box with 24 small numbered windows. Each day, you open one. From the first day of December until Christmas eve. Children usually get chocolates, sweets, small books, toys. Adults get perfumes, creams, sweets, etc. I love it! And it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can make one at home. Small notes to your spouse, kids, to yourself.
Let the Christmas spirit cheer you up and make your home cozy when it’s cold outside.
Merry Christmas!
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Nothing like gingerbread cookies to get us in the Christmas mood! I also enjoy the peaceful feeling of lighting the Advent candles on the four Sundays in anticipation of Christmas day. 🕯🕯🕯🕯As the lights get brighter we are closer to Christmas. The lights bring with them hope and peace. This was a new tradition for me!