From Gaol to Gay Santa: How far has Norway progressed since 1972?
This year marks the 50th anniversary since homosexuality was decriminalized in Norway. Though notably a more progressive society than other many countries worldwide, Norway still…
Christmas
Decking the halls of history: The origins of Christmas decorations
This article was written by Anne Lawrence-Mathers, Professor in Medieval History, University of Reading. The idea of hanging up decorations in the middle of winter…
Norway’s annual Christmas tree gift to England mocked online
“Are we at war with Norway now?” joked a few British social media users underwhelmed by Norway’s gift. The tree has been called “wonky” and…
Christmas and commerce have long gone together like two turtle doves
The author of this article is Philip Hancock, Professor of Work and Organization at the University of Essex. The “spirit of Christmas” is all about…
Who was Libuše Šafránková, star of “Tre nøtter til Askepott”?
If you have ever taken part in a Norwegian Christmas celebration, you’ll know that watching “Tre nøtter til Askepott” is an absolute must. But how…
Norwegian Christmas ad with gay Santa goes viral
The Norwegian postal service Posten recently released a Christmas commercial called “When Harry met Santa.” Santa and his new boyfriend shortly went viral. Posten’s video,…
The holly and the ivy: How pagan practices found their way into Christmas
This article was written by Peter Glaves, Enterprise Fellow at Northumbria University, Newcastle. Every year, almost without thinking about it, we incorporate certain plant species…
PHOTOS: World’s largest gingerbread town in Bergen open for the season
Pepperkakebyen is Bergen’s annual Christmas miracle. Bergen’s beloved gingerbread town – aka, Pepperkakebyen – has kicked off for the 2021 Christmas season. A crowd favorite,…
In Norway, three times more people plan on going to Christmas parties in 2021 than 2020
14% of Norwegians surveyed believe Christmas will still be different this year due to the pandemic, while half plan on attending a Christmas party, Opinion’s…
A guide to the traditional Norwegian holiday fish dishes
Norwegians eat fish all year round, Christmas time included! In this article, we’ve compiled the five most common types of fish found on Norwegian dinner…
Bergen, Norway is home to the world’s largest gingerbread town
This Christmas season, why not head to Bergen and go sightseeing in the world’s largest gingerbread town? Gingerbread cookies (“pepperkaker” in Norwegian) are the heart…
Norway’s favorite holiday drink, “Julebrus”, is now available in stores for the season
A favorite amongst many, the Norwegian Christmas soda – “Julebrus” – is finally available in shops all over the country. Last week, the Norwegian holiday…
Tromsø wants to become “the world’s best Christmas town”
The business community in Tromsø wants to make the city “the No. 1 go-to destination for Christmas!” Snow, northern lights and polar nights are among…
Your guide to juleøl, Norwegian Christmas beer
Juleøl is more than beer. It’s an institution. Here’s the A-Z scoop on Norway’s beloved Christmas ale. Come December, juleøl (jul meaning Christmas, øl meaning…
Christmas survey: Norwegians believe gifts – especially homemade – are more important due to corona
Christmas is more important this year due to the coronavirus situation, according to one in three Norwegians in DNB’s Christmas survey. For more than half,…
This year, Norwegian children will not be allowed to sit on the lap of Santa Claus
This year, those who work as Santa Clauses must keep at least one meter away from the children. Thus, the children will not be allowed…
Several more than before, believe that the Coronavirus epidemic will last until Christmas
Norwegians look grimly at how long the Coronavirus crisis will last in Norway, according to Nettavisen’s Coronavirus survey. Many believe it will last through the…
Up-and-down sales for Vinmonopolet at Christmas
Christmas trends from Vinmonopolet show that Norwegians are buying less red wine for Christmas dinner, and rather go for lighter products and alcohol-free. The Vinmonopol…
Over a hundred attended a Christmas-covered party at the DNT cabin
Both Christmas porridge with almond and Christmas buffet were on the menu for around 110 people who had already booked a place at DNT’s cabin…
1.8 million Norwegians travel at Christmas – busiest Friday for traffic
Friday (20-12-2019) is Christmas’s busiest day in traffic as thousands of passengers get on trains, buses, planes and in the car to get home for…
