Norway

Norwegian children like to go carol singing and most children do! Often children will dress up as characters from the Christmas Story, such as the Shepherds and Wise Men, and go singing from house to house in their local neighbourhood. Sometimes they carry paper stars on poles with them.

One tradition in Norway is that families light a candle every night from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.

As in Finland, a sheaf of wheat is often left out for the birds to eat over Christmas. Also a type of porridge is sometimes left for the ‘Nisse’ a mythical gnome who is believed to guard the farm animals.

Maybe the most famous custom about Christmas in Norway is the big Christmas Tree that Norway gives to the UK every year. The tree is given as a present to say ‘thank you’ for the help that the people of the UK gave to Norway during World War II. The tree stands in Trafalgar Square in the middle of London and often hundreds of people come to watch when the lights are turned on.

Many different types of cakes and biscuits are eaten over the Christmas period in Norway. One of the most popular is a special bread called ‘Julekake’ that has raisins, candied peel and cardamom in it.