Danish Christmas

Background

Christmas in Denmark is known as Jul. There are many traditions that are accustomed to Jul, and the celebration begins on December 1^st. The traditions for Jul continue throughout December. Christmas Eve or Juleaften, is celebrated on December 24^th. This day is the main celebration for Christmas. Like most holidays in Denmark, the main events are held on the eve. The 25^th and 26^th are also days of celebration. Jul is seen as one of the most important holidays in Danish tradition. The holiday is also known as “The Feast of Candles.” During the middle ages, the Danes became Christianized. With Old Catholic traditions mixed with new ideals, gifts that were generally given included candles, food, and now presents. This is why the family and friends dinner tradition carries on in Danish culture today.

The First Day

The first day of December is extremely important in Jul. Children have Christmas calendars to plan the month. The most common version seen across the world, is a calendar with 24 windows, each hiding some type of chocolate. The country also produces a show on its networks, which has a different show for each day, similar to the calendar concept. Puppets are used often, and each show tells a tale that is Christmas related. The calendar candle is also lit this day. The candle has 24 sections, one for each day until Christmas day. The first day also marks the beginning of shopping and wrapping. Although the wrapping of presents used to be a family event that took place one day in December, it is often done by stores when a gift is bought.

Julaften

The eve of Christmas festivities generally begin with a large, elaborate dinner for the family and any guests invited. Some of the classic dishes served are stuffed turkey, duck, potatoes, and other small plates. A common tradition for dessert is the almond find. A cold dish of rice pudding is served, with one almond in one dish. The finder of the almond is given a prize. After dinner, the tree is brought inside and decorated. Families dance around the tree singing traditional songs and carols. More drinks and candies are served. After, the presents below the tree are handed out by the children and then opened.