Wednesday we had woken to snow. On Friday, however, the weather shifted to above freezing and all the snow rained and melted off, leaving the farm dark and wet. We left early on Christmas eve and drove the 4 ½ hours to Folldal, gradually moving from mild and and wet to old snow, not yet melted and then in the mountains and in Foldal, beautifull winter with 10" of new snow and frosty mountains towering white over it all. We spent a hectic day visiting all the Folldal in-laws. It was pleasant, and especially gratifying to know that just being there was the best gift we could have given Father-in-law.
Husband with Peach
Early Christmas day, right after breakfast we left for home. The roads were empty, and we made good time with husband speeding along the empty roads at 120 km/hr. He did get caught by at least two photo-boxes set up to catch speeders, so I fear the 30 minutes we saved came dear. In Østfold it is still well above freezing. The cats had gotten out of the hallway, but not for long I believe, as the Christmas tree was still intact. We put on some Christmas music, lit the Christmas incense and the candles on the tree and enjoyed Christmas with cookies and gløgg in our own home.
I've often thought about having a small tabletop tree, as they were depicted at the start of the custom. I think it's so pretty that way! But the US tradition is to put presents beneath the tree and to have a large one from floor to ceiling.
ReplyDeleteActually floor to cieling trees are the tradition in Norway too, as are the presents under the tree. We often use a small table top tree as it takes up less space, and put the presents under it on and around the table. But I thought the american tradition was stockings?
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