How to Celebrate Christmas in Scandinavia Like a Local

Celebrating Christmas in Scandinavia is like stepping into a winter wonderland, where traditions run deep and the spirit of the season shines brightly. It’s a time of warmth, light, and togetherness, a stark contrast to the long, dark winter days. To truly experience the magic, you’ll want to celebrate like a local. Here’s how to immerse yourself in the festive spirit:

1. Embrace the Pre-Christmas Hygge (and Kos and Hygge):

Advent Celebrations:
- Scandinavians start celebrating early, with Advent marking the beginning of the Christmas season. Candles are lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Advent wreaths, often adorned with moss, berries, and pinecones, are a staple in homes.
Julemarkeder (Christmas Markets):
- Explore local Christmas markets for handcrafted gifts, traditional foods, and warm drinks.
- Enjoy gløgg (mulled wine) and æbleskiver (Danish apple fritters) or pepparkakor (Swedish ginger biscuits).
Baking and Cooking:
- Join in the tradition of baking Christmas cookies and preparing traditional dishes.
- Each region has its specialties:
  - Norway: Seven types of Christmas cookies are a must.
  - Sweden: Lussekatter (saffron buns) are a beloved treat.
  - Denmark: Risalamande (rice pudding with cherry sauce) is a Christmas Eve dessert.
  - Finland: Joulutorttu (star shaped christmas pastries filled with prune jam) are a must.
Christmas Decorations:
- Decorate your home with natural materials like pine branches, cones, and berries.
- Candles, fairy lights, and paper stars create a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Don’t forget the advent star in the window.

2. Experience the Traditions of Christmas Eve (Julaften/Julafton/Joulu):

Family Gatherings:
- Christmas Eve is the main event in Scandinavia, when families gather for a festive meal and gift exchange.
- It’s a time for togetherness and creating lasting memories.
Traditional Christmas Dinner:
- Enjoy a traditional Christmas feast, which varies by region:
  - Norway: Ribbe (pork ribs) or pinnekjøtt (lamb ribs) are popular choices.
  - Sweden: Julskinka (Christmas ham) is the centerpiece of the meal.
  - Denmark: Roast duck or goose is a traditional Christmas Eve dinner.
  - Finland: Ham is the main course.
- Side dishes often include potatoes, pickled herring, and various root vegetables.
Gift Exchange (Julegaver/Julklappar/Joululahjat):
- After dinner, families exchange gifts, often accompanied by traditional Christmas songs.
- In some places, “Julenissen” (Santa) will come and deliver the presents.
Christmas Services:
- Many families attend Christmas Eve church services, where traditional hymns are sung.

3. Celebrate Christmas Day and Beyond:

Relaxation and Family Time:
- Christmas Day is typically a quieter day, spent relaxing with family and enjoying leftovers.
- In some countries, like sweden, the 26th of december is also a big family day.
Julotta (Early Morning Service):
- In Sweden and Finland, some people attend Julotta, an early morning church service on Christmas Day.
Romjulen/Mellandagarna (Between Christmas and New Year):
- The days between Christmas and New Year are a time for relaxation, socializing, and enjoying winter activities.
- Many people visit family and friends, attend concerts, and go ice skating or skiing.
New Year’s Eve (Nyttårsaften/Nyårsafton/Uudenvuosi):
- New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks, champagne, and festive gatherings.
- Many people watch the New Year’s Eve address by the monarch or other national leaders.

4. Embrace the Winter Wonderland:

Outdoor Activities:
- Take advantage of the winter wonderland by going skiing, ice skating, or snowshoeing.
- Enjoy a walk in the snow-covered forests or along the frozen lakes.
Sauna and Winter Bathing:
- Experience the invigorating tradition of sauna and winter bathing, a popular activity in Finland and other Nordic countries.
Northern Lights:
- If you’re in the northern parts of Scandinavia, take the opportunity to see the magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

5. Key Tips for a Local Christmas:

Learn a Few Phrases:
- “God Jul” (Merry Christmas) in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish.
- “Hyvää Joulua” (Merry Christmas) in Finnish.
Dress Warmly:
- Scandinavian winters can be cold, so pack layers of warm clothing, including a good winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.
Be Prepared for Darkness:
- During the winter months, daylight hours are limited, so embrace the cozy atmosphere created by candles and lights.
Respect Local Traditions:
- Scandinavians value their Christmas traditions, so be respectful of their customs and practices.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Moment:
- Christmas in Scandinavia is about slowing down, spending time with loved ones, and appreciating the simple joys of the season.