Hide the Broom on Christmas Eve

 

I was doing some research on Christmas traditions, when I came across a charming tradition I'd never heard of before.  It comes from Norway, where at 5 p.m. church bells begin to ring.  People dress in traditional finery to attend the service.

Afterward, there is a big family dinner, which includes a bowl porridge with almonds for the children.  There are carolers, most of the time choirs of school children, who join hands to sing around the Christmas tree.  Later, children eagerly anticipate a knock at the door.  The Julenisse, with a sack full of gifts asks, "Are there any good children here?"  After opening presents--coffee and cakes are served.

But once the celebration is done and evening falls quiet and cold--all the brooms in the house are hidden!   This is because of an ancient belief that on Christmas Eve, evil spirits slip in to steal brooms from families in order to ride them around in the sky.

Another enchanting fact about Christmas in Norway is that white is the color of the holiday.  Not just the whiteness of the snow, but white lights are used for decorating and white candles light the tree.  Not one colored light can be seen.

It must be absolutely beautiful.  Someday I would love to visit Norway at Christmas time.

Have a lovely Christmas Eve, dear Friends.