3D

DECEMBER 2011 Third District Today

The mission of Sons of is to promote and to preserve the heritage and , to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and to provide quality insurance and financial products to its members.

FRA PRESIDENTEN RALPH PETERSON Today I'm writing you from Virginia Beach and that is good. Having said that, I just got back from a wedding in ND and last night we were on the HMoMS Statraad Lehmkuhl enjoying some fine Norwegian “mat og øl” with students from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy. This is the same ship that AnneGrete and I were on during the past Syttende Mai celebration in Bergen earlier this year and it brought back some great memories. It sounds like LOV hosted a great event last weekend with a combined group studying Genealogy and Norwegian cooking. The food was great and the genealogy fun and educational. They are looking into a rerun for next year. I have been warning people for years that Genealogy is very addictive and Maine Nordmenn’s Charlie Abrahamson found that to be true. Before you start on serious Genealogy I would recommend that you download the SON information on earning a Genealogy Cultural medal as they contain a lot of good information that is extremely useful even if you do not plan on working for a Cultural Medal. Another good piece of news about the LOV weekend was that a week before the event a District email was sent to our email list alerting all those on our list about the event. As a result, we had additional participation in the events. If you haven't been receiving our District emails and would like to do so, you need to update your personal information at SON headquarters. You can call them, email them, send them a letter or let me know and we will add you to the list or correct the information that they currently have. District 3 and District 8 are the “preferred” locations for the 2014 International Convention. If a Lodge(s) or Zone is interested you will need to make a bid at the 2012 convention. Remember SON now has a consulting firm available to assist you in locating hotels, negotiating ROOM rates and preparing for the convention. This is at no cost to you. If you are interested please let me know. One recent and frequent appearance on our web site has been the posting of local lodge newsletters. This has been a great help to program planners around the District as well as promoting other ideas. Today I found November newsletters from Blåfjell, Gulf Coast Vikings, Noreg, Hampton Roads, Henrik Ibsen, Oslo, Suncoast and Sun Viking posted on line. Normally we also find Faerder there as well. http://www.3dsofn.org/blog Tusen Takk to the editors for taking the time to help us all out. . I am very pleased to see our 999 and 000 members taking a more active part in our District activities. Recently we processed a sports medal for a 000 member, a 999 member attended our class at LOV, they have been big supporters of our recent raffles and most important, their retention rate is very high compared to most local lodges, so hats off to that group.

Lets each sign up a new member this month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AnneGrete and I would like to wish you and your families a very Merry and a great holiday season.

Fraternally, Ralph Peterson, President District Three, Sons of Norway

Third District Today 1 2011 3D

VICE PRESIDENT, GAIL EKLOFF The hustle and bustle of the holiday is upon us all and we are enjoying the spirit of this time of the year! The election of officers has taken place and the start of a new adventure for your lodge begins! Next years event calendars should be an important part of the lodges itinerary. Be sure to forward your calendars to your Zone Directors and the District Secretary, this way we can all see what other lodges are doing throughout the District.. It would be a shame for 2 lodges to hold their anniversary on the same day. This information will help the LOV board when they are trying to book cultural events. (The baking/genealogy weekend was great: those who attended were able to learn more about their roots and get a good taste of Norwegian pastries and cakes). We are all looking forward to more weekends like this, learning about culture, and enjoying the splendor of LOV. Hope the New Year sees you adding the Esaison Foundation to your new calendar of events. Drammen Lodge in New Bern, North Carolina had their event already and the event was sold out!! Fantastic!!! This is a wonderful opportunity to show your community what Sons of Norway is all about.Helping others is a core foundation of our organization! May your holidays be spent with family and friends, but take time to reflect on those less fortunate. (This year many families have survived the wrath of mother nature). Remember to count your blessings. You have many! May the year ahead bring you happiness, good health, and adventure! Rolf and I wish you all a Gød Jul and Gødt Nytår Alt for denne gangen, Gail Remember the 2 A’s; Ask & Advertise Remember the 2 M's; Mentor and Mingle

KATHY DOLLYMORE, 3D PUBLIC RELATIONS check out the blog on the 3D web site for ideas and notes from your board There may be no snow, no elves, no reindeer, and no candle-lit church up on the mountain. But this month, members of the SON Lodges from the very young to the more senior members will gather to celebrate Christmas just like in the old country with the annual Juletrefests to sing, dance and celebrate their heritage. With bunads and nisses, trolls and krumkake lutefisk and julebukk, the month is alive with festivities. is the month when it seems we’re closest to our heritage. All the cookie baking, lefse making, carol singing and those family traditions we cherish. Are you on your way to “Seven Kinds of Cookies”? Seeing the candelabras in the windows and Norwegian flags on the tree pull at heartstrings. Do you have Norwegian traditions that you’ve passed on to your family? These precious memories are what we hope our children will remember. Get them started with the music and singing around the tree at a Juletrefest. Pull out your bunader and Norwegian sweaters. This is also the time of year that we like to remember our members who aren’t able to get to our meetings anymore. If you are baking cookies, would you make some for our brothers and sisters we don’t see as much anymore? A moment of your time is you could give someone. Så ønsker jeg dere alle en riktig God Jul og et Godt Nyttår!

Third District Today 2 2011 3D FROM THE SECRETARY, MARCI LARSON Happy Holidays and the best in 2012. Here are a couple bullet point reminders as you finish your lodge year and possibly transition lodge leadership. • Make sure I have received your lodge installation information by Dec. 1. Thanks to the 28 lodges who have communicated this information. I would really appreciate hearing from the rest of you which is about half the lodges. • Starting in mid-December, I will begin work on the 2012 Membership Directory, which will be available in late February/early March. Please send me your Officer Change forms, even if you are not changing officers. I will e-mail the directory order form to 2011 lodge presidents and secretaries in December and it will be posted on the website for easy access. Often times this order form is lost in the transition of officers. • The District Convention and Centennial Celebration is June 20 – 23 in Virginia Beach, so start planning your delegate participation in early 2012. Lodge Membership numbers for 2011 determine how many delegates your lodge can seat at the Convention. New lodges, please plan to send delegates because it is a great learning, networking and fellowship experience. I will outreach to lodges in early 2012 requesting delegate information. • I am working on the Fall District Board meeting minutes and have completed the Third District Limited minutes and will e-mail/mail both sets to lodges hopefully by Dec. 1, sooner if possible. • If I can assist you, please let me know. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved with District 3 Sons of Norway.

COUNSELOR’S CORNER, MARY B. ANDERSEN

"All for one and one for all" …………. from The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas First and foremost, tusen takk to all who responded to our fund drive letter! We have had a 3% response to our Spring fund drive (147 responses to 4900 letters). The Trustees would also like to thank the lodges that make memorial donations as well as annual lodge donations. If you think about it, the Charitable Trust embodies the phrase from The Three Musketeers. All Third District members support each individual Charitable Trust beneficiary and thus "all for one". I would like to put a twist on the phrase by changing the word "one" to $1 resulting in "all for $1 and $1 for all". If we each contribute $1 ("all for $1") at our monthly lodge meetings, we will impact the lives of all of our beneficiaries ("$1 for all"). Times are tough for many of us and especially for our beneficiaries. Your $1 per month will mean a lot to our Third District Charitable Trust beneficiaries. The cumulative impact of all of our donations will make a big difference in their lives. Let's make the 40th anniversary of the Charitable Trust something truly to remember! God Jul og Godt Nytt År Mary

NOTES FROM CULTURAL DIRECTOR, KRISTIN STONE

God Jul! This is a season that is filled with memories. Create some new memories this year by incorporating the sights, sounds, smells, touch and tastes of the season into your celebrations. My own lodge is in the midst of preparing for our Norwegian Festival and Julefest. This is a great time of year to invite friends and family to join you and your lodge for these festive events. These major holiday events require a lot of volunteer labor. Have you invited the next generation of your family or less involved lodge members to become involved in event planning and execution? New faces bring new ideas. I’m thrilled that my 23 year old daughter has become our lodge secretary and is actively involved in bazaar planning and will be the storyteller at the Festival as well as the Jul helper. I’m certain that she will have a greater appreciation of Norwegian Culture and traditions as a result.

Third District Today 3 2011 3D Our Lodge’s Norwegian Festival chair was given a gift membership in Sons of Norway two years ago by a sister who was already a lodge member. That gift was also a great gift to our lodge☺ Sons of Norway membership is an ideal gift for folks of all ages. Membership brings a monthly Viking magazine, an array of member discounts, lodge membership and the opportunity to explore many varied and interesting cultural skills areas and to participate in the sports program. Membership brings opportunities to network with members in your own lodge and in other lodges nearby and far away. This year while you are writing your Christmas cards or preparing holiday goodies or meals why not listen to a series of Norwegian music compact discs and take notes about your reactions to the music afterwards. You’ll be on your way to earning a cultural skills award in Norwegian Music and Musicians. This year, consider making Norwegian specialty dishes to share at holiday parties . Plant a Norwegian flag on a toothpick proudly atop your dish for good measure. Take a photo of the dish in progress and the completed dish as part of the requirements for the cooking cultural skills awards. Our lodge watched some videos where Andreas Viestad demonstrated multiple recipes. I was inspired to try a simple recipe to share with our Norwegian Cooking group last night: Baked apples with cranberries. Core several tart apples and insert lingonberries (or their relative cranberries) in the hole. Cut a vanilla bean in half lengthwise and then cut the long pieces into short segments. Stick a vanilla bean piece in each of the apple holes. Place a teaspoon or two of honey in each hole. Top honey with a bit of butter. Bake at 350

degrees for forty five minutes. Enjoy!

Lodges will be receiving information about the 2012 District Convention Cultural Skills Fair during the last week of 2011 or the first week of 2012. It is not too early to review what you’ve done since the last convention which you might consider entering in the competition. Please also be thinking about who your lodge might choose to nominate for the Leif Erikson award. The 3rd District of the Sons of Norway.s presents its Leif Erikson Award to someone who raises awareness of Norway.s life and culture.

DON’T FORGET TO PASS THE PIGGY………………….

TUBFRIM: Please remember to save used postage stamps for Tubfrim. Please cut the stamps from envelopes with scissors, leaving a 1/4 inch margin of paper around the stamp for ease of handling. Picture post cards should be left whole. Tubfrim also collects used telephone cards. The money realized from the sale of stamps benefits disabled children and youth in Norway.

Did you know you can find out what is going on in other lodges by clicking on About Us and then

lodges on the 3D website. This will take you to the Sons of Norway page which contains all of our lodges. Lodge names highlighted in blue means they have their own website; check out what they

are doing and if you are travelling in the area, drop in and say hello!!

Third District Today 4 2011 3D **********ZONE NEWS********* ZONE 1: Kris Rasmussen Director ZONE 2: Judy Mack, Director ZONE 2 HAPPENINGS The fall has been busy and varied for Zone 2 members. Norumbega Lodge had a successful fair on the 12th of November whereas the early snowstorm forced Hartford Lodge to cancel their Scandinavian Cultural Day and Fair. Hartford Lodge hosted the zone meeting in October . They recently had a Welcoming Ceremony and Initiation of New Members. They will hold their Jultrefest on December 18. Hartford Lodge will be joining Nordkap and have a winter weekend at LOV the end of January. All are welcome to join them. .Maine Nordmenn has recently welcomed new members with a dinner and then held a crafts and games night. They will hold their Julfest and Installation of New Officers on December 10. Morgensolen Lodge recently wrapped gifts as part of the Operation Troop Support and will hold their Julfest on December 3. Norumbega Lodge recently ’traveled’ to Newfoundland with the Viking explorers Karen and Peter Hanson, and Peter Vatne. They will hold their Julefest on December 2. Several Zone 2 members recently participated in the Genealogy and Cooking Weekend at LOV.

ZONE 3: Barbara Bensen, Director ZONE 3 TIDBITS are, by reputation, calm and sensible sorts They go about their business day by day, doing what Norwegians do without much fanfare or production until CHRISTMAS! Then in the cold dark time of the year, there is non-stop frenzy of gaiety, fun and activity...... cooking, cleaning, laughing, visiting, singing, eating, and more eating and then doing it all again. The visiting alone is a whirlwind of celebration. The Norwegians have a word for it...."JULEKUT".... Norwegians racing around wildly on Christmas visits Are all of you set for "JULEKUT"? Looks like Lodges in Zone 3 are because the Lodge Nisse are well into their holiday plans. Pleasant Point will have their Christmas Party on December 12th at the Quality Lodge in Toms River, and Fredheim's Christmas Party is December 10th. Nor-Bu Lodge's Annual Holiday Food Sale is December 4th 1 - 4 at the lodge. A Smorgasbord will be held December 17th, and the Children's Christmas Party is December 26th. Nansen Lodge collected great recipies from the members, and published a cookbook.....it was so popular, the book SOLD OUT. Wow! Their Christmas Luncheon is December 6th for the Ladies and the Children's Christmas Party is December 11th. The Nansen knitters and crocheters are knitting items for the 2012 Special Olympics thru December 31st and have 60 plus scarves, so far. Bernt Balchen's last meeting for 2011 is the annual Christmas Party, December 3rd at Lukan's in Hawley. Their next meeting will be in March 2012. Their lodge is collecting donations for both the Dessin Animal Shelter, and the veterans at the Gino Merli Veterans Center. The Ladies Auxiliary of Noreg Lodge is hosting their Children's Christmas Party on December 10th. Santa will be coming and bring the magician with him. The Ladies also adopted a family for Christmas, and they are collecting items for the family's . Noreg's Christmas Social is December 16th, and includes opened-faced sandwiches, dessert, music, and singing around the Christmas Tree. For those of you looking for a great place to celebrate New Years Eve weekend, there is always LOV. The food is terrific, the people are great, and you won't have to drive after all of the partying!!! From Zone 3 to everyone in District 3, enjoy your holidays and stay safe. Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! Barbara Bensen

ZONE 4: Karin Gudbranson McCadam, Director The holiday season is upon us. Several lodges had Officer Elections in November and out-going officers are busy ending their lodge position in style. Fram Lodge had a successful Scandinavian Fair in November. They showcased many beautiful items even gained two new members for their efforts. Everyone had a great time and in December they will have their annual party. Hudson Valley and Norrøna Lodges both host their lodge adult and children’s parties the

Third District Today 5 2011 3D same weekend. It is always a fantastic time for one and all and they invite you to come join them if you are in the area. We have a wonderful update on Norsemen Lodge: they have secured another meeting place in Oneonta. So they are again back in their old stomping grounds and are more centrally located. They will celebrate with a December event and look forward to a wonderful New Year in their new location. December 10th Oslo Lodge Juletrefest with Santa Lucia and the Star Children followed by a Jan Brett story around the Christmas tree. Then all get involved in singing and dancing around the tree. Finally Julenissen comes with a gift for each child. Oslo Lodge promotes their programs via local town papers with new people dropping in to check it out. Through other efforts, Oslo Lodge gained 10 members in October. It pays to advertise as Vice President Gail Ekloff so aptly reminds us. Scandinavian Heritage Society will again sponsor their annual Lutefisk and meatball dinner on December 3rd. This event draws a crowd every year. They will have their Christmas party December 20th. Troll Lodge had a very good turnout for their annual November Scandinavian Holiday Fair. Now they are all set for their Christmas festivities in December. And, we hope you are as well. So, from each of our members in Zone 4 we send our greetings for “En Riktig God Jul og Godt Nytt År”.

ZONE 5: Gail Martinsen, Director Here in Zone 5… Our lodges have been very busy this past month with election of officers, fairs and, of course, celebrating Thanksgiving. Sarasota had their Annual Scandinavian Festival on October 29th. The following weekend, Sun Viking had their Annual Scandinavian Cultural Fair. Both events had rosemaling, baked Scandinavian goods, knitting, Scandinavian foods and many other items for the public to enjoy. Sun Viking signed up 3 new members at their fair. It is amazing how many talented members we have within our zone with rosemaling, wood carving, knitting, hardanger, of course, cooking and so many other cultural crafts! Most of our lodges had elections of officers in November and most had full slates. Thanks to all of our members willing to step up and take an office to help their lodge! President/Editor of Port Orange Lodge, Larry Frohock had an interesting article in their November newsletter on Norse Mythology and how the modern Scandinavians reflect some of those ancient beliefs. Like how many words used today derive from Viking mythology, for example: Thursday is named after Thor, Wednesday after and Friday after Frey. Vikingworld showed a video of 2 humorous skits performed at the Springfest Regatta held in 2002 and 2004. Mark Berg, Suncoast's Sports Director, gathered "Vinter" games that evolved from the games played by the Vikings. Everyone had a fun evening playing the games & winning prizes at their November meeting. A Soup Dinner was served at Sun Viking's November meeting. You would be amazed at the HUGE variety of soups served! Tampa Bay members enjoyed a pot luck dinner at their meeting. Gateway to Florida members volunteered their time to work at the "Empty Bowl Lunch". It is a fundraiser for the Second Harvest Food Bank. They have served 17 North Florida counties since 1979. This month all of the Florida Lodges are busy preparing for Christmas. We will be celebrating Juletrefests with traditional Scandinavian dinners throughout the state. Several lodges will have their meals catered. Scandia is very lucky where they meet, the chef is willing to use their recipes and will prepare authentic Scandinavian dishes for them. Tampa Bay volunteers every year to ring the Salvation Army bell to help raise money for the needy. This year at their Julefest, Norsemen Harbour will raffle many beautiful items made by their Rosemaling/Craft Group. Sun Viking will have Santa as a special guest and the children will perform in the Santa Lucia Pageant. They are collecting Items for the Troops and Toys for Tots. Gateway to Florida will, also, have a Santa Lucia Pageant, raffle baskets and special guests, Norwegian Consul George Gabel and his wife, Judy. Vikingworld's member, Corky Hall will entertain their lodge with her accordion playing at their Julefest. Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year to share with friends & loved ones. I wish you all a season full of Joy, Love, Prosperity and Happiness!

Third District Today 6 2011 3D ZONE 6: Carol Goral, Director Zone 6 Report ZONE 7: Edward McCarthy, Director Myrtle Beach, N.C. had their November meeting featuring homemade waffles and lefse along with the nomination of new officers for the coming year. Next up will be their traditional Christmas Juletrefest in December. Blafjell in Salem had a cookie exchange with the traditional seven cookies for their November meeting and are now gearing up for their traditional Juletrefest on 3 December. This will include glogg, a Santa Lucia Procession and the traditional . Norsk Carolina in Raleigh took part in the Scanfest on 5 November which had as its theme Christmas in . This included Nordic country exhibits, kids activities, a secret elf school, folk dancing and music as well as Nordic beer tasting. Their Juletrefest will take place on 13 December. Drammen in New Bern were able to attend a private theatre in Raleigh to see the award-winning Danish film "Pelle the Conqueror" on 13 November and took part in the Fairfield Craft Show on 19 November displaying Nordic products. Their Juletrefest will take place on 13 December. Hampton Roads has had a busy November beginning with a reception on board the Royal Norwegian Naval ship "Statsraad Lehmkulhl " on 15 November. On the 19th of November the lodge attended a presentation by the Norwegian explorer Thorleif Thorleifsson at the Virginia Museum of Comtemporary Arts. His program involved the story of his trip around the Arctic. On 19 November the lodge participated in the annual Virginia Beach Town Center Christmas Parade with the lighted longboat and bunads. Their Juletrefest is scheduled for 10 December.

Looking back over newsletter articles this past year there has been theme. You read about; estate planning, college financing, estate equalization, leaving a legacy, poetry of love, advantages of Fraternal Societies, buy/sell business arrangements, investment safety, charitable giving and a gift of the future for your loved ones. The common thread to all of these topics is life insurance! This single tool can do all of these things and more. It’s kind of like the Swiss army knife of investments. If you are still looking for that perfect gift that won’t be exchanged or cast away, look no further than Sons of Norway. Contact your Sons of Norway Financial Benefits Counselor to see how we can help you with the perfect gift. Happy holidays to all and thank you for your support this past year. Fraternally, Ann Krause, FIC, LUTCF Financial Benefits Counselor Sons of Norway Minot, ND Sarasota, FL 701-852-5508 or 701-720-2755 Email- [email protected] Third District Centennial History Book Update. You will at this time know, that during the last 3rd District Convention in 2010, 3rd District President Ralph Peterson stated that he would like to see an update of the then Published 3rd District History Book (1995) for the 3rd District Centennial Year, 2012 Convention. Well, that project is well under way. We are just missing some of our lodges’ History update. This is to give you a summary of the current status of the District Centennial History Book. At this point I have received 37 3rd District Lodges’ updates which means that fifteen lodges are still missing. I plan to have the History books printed by the end of March 2012, which means that the time for these lodges’ responses is rapidly running out. Therefore, I see three alternatives at this point: 1. For those lodges that have not submitted an update to me by December 15, 2011, but have their history on the District WEB site, I will download that one and use it in this update. 2. For those lodges that have not submitted an update to me by December 15, 2011, and not having any update on the WEB site, but a contribution in the current History Book (1995), I will use that one even though it may be outdated. 3. There remains only one alternative; unfortunately, you would not be part of the District’s Centennial History Update. Please e‐mail your update to: [email protected] Thank you for your co-operation. I look forward to hearing from you Asbjørn Lageraaen Project Coordinator

Third District Today 7 2011 3D

Calling Sons of Norway 3rd District Members To Enter The CONVENTION DELEGATE’S PADDLE CONTEST We know our Third District Membership is overflowing with an abundance of members skilled in the field of arts and crafts. Please take this opportunity to showcase your skill and talent.

Eligibility: All Sons of Norway members are eligible to enter. You may enter as an individual, group or lodge. Designs: Designs for paddles will be of your own choosing, however, those reflecting, the 3rd District Centennial Convention, Sons of Norway, Norway, or Virginia Beach, will be given special consideration. Paddles will require a minimum of 2 ½ inch black consecutive numbering on one side. Quantities: Approx: 200 Finished Cost: Products coming in at a cost below $6.00 each will be given special consideration. Production: Winners must be able to produce the required number of paddles for the convention by June 1, 2012. Deadline: Photos of your design, along with dimensions and cost per each, must be submitted with application no later than January 15, 2012. Reimbursement: Winner (s) will be reimbursed from convention budget funds upon presentation of finished product quantities and invoice. Paddles will become the property of the Third District for future use or to be used as convention delegate favors. Delivery: Our committee will work with the winner(s) for delivery of items to arrive at the convention hotel by June 21, 2012. Winner(s): Will be notified no later than February 10, 2012. Will have their name(s) listed in the Convention Journal. Paddle winner(s) has/have permission to sign the paddle. Committee reserves the right to select more than one winner. DELEGATE PADDLE CONTEST APPLICATION Delegate’s paddle 200 pieces NAME OF ENTRANT INDIVIDUAL/GROUP/LODGE:______

CONTACT NAME IF DIFFERENT FROM ENTRANT:______

ADDRESS:______CITY:______

STATE:______ZIP:______PHONE:______

EMAIL:______LODGE:______

THEME:______

DESCRIPTION INCLUDING MATERIALS, DIMENSION AND WEIGHT PER EACH:______

COST PER EACH:$______TOTAL PROJECTED COST OF PROJECT: $______For a .pdf or .jpg file of the convention logo and/or questions, please contact Carol Anderson by email at [email protected]. ATTACH PHOTO AND SUBMIT TO: Nellie Larson 10920 New Brighton Court New Port Richey, FL 34654 GOOD LUCK!

Third District Today 8 2011 3D Christmas in Norway Norwegian children always remember a little gnome Nisse at Christmastime. He guards all the farm animals, and he plays tricks on the children if they forget to place a bowl of special porridge for him. Norway has its gift-bearing little gnome or elf. Known as Julebukk or "Christmas buck," he appears as a goat-like creature. Julebukk harkens back to Viking times when pagans worshipped Thor and his goat. During pagan celebrations a person dressed in a goatskin, carrying a goat head, would burst in upon the party and during the course of evening would "die" and return to life. During the early Christian era, the goat began to take the form of the devil, and would appear during times of wild merry-making and jubilation. By the end of the Middle Ages, the game was forbidden by the Church and the state. In more recent times the goat has emerged in the tamer form of Julebukk. In the dark afternoons, in the Viking tradition, children go from house to house asking for goodies. Norwegians eat lye-treated codfish, and wash it down with boiled potatoes, rice porridge, gingerbread, and punch. Norwegians are very close to the North Pole, and they strongly hope for the magic of snow for the holydays! Christmas in Norway begins with the Saint Lucia ceremony on the 13 December. At the crack of dawn, the youngest daughter from each family puts on a white robe with a sash, a crown with evergreens and tall-lighted candles, accompanied by the other children, the boys dressed as star boys in long white shirts and pointed hats. They wake their parents, and serve them coffee and Lucia buns, lussekatter. The custom goes back to a Christian virgin, Lucia, martyred for her beliefs at Syracuse in the fourth century. The Saint Lucia ceremony is fairly recent, but it represents the traditional thanksgiving for the return of the sun. The Christmas tree, juletre, spruce or pine tree usually, are often decorated with candles, apples, red harts, cornets, straw ornaments, balls of glass and , all depending on what you like. The homes have a scent of resin, hyacinths, red tulips, spices and tangerines. Some children, especially in the country still believe in and remember a little gnome or elf, fjøsnissen at Christmas time. He is told to guard all the farm animals, and he plays tricks if the children forget to place a bowl of special rice porridge, risengrynsgrøt, in the barn or outside for him. This is old superstition. Norwegians also love to eat this porridge on the 23 December, lillejulaften, and then it holds a magic almond inside. The one who finds it gets a prize. Some eat the rice porridge for lunch on the 24th. Perhaps in the evening they have some gløgg, it is a spicy drink (you can add some red wine if you like), with raisins and chopped almonds. Julaften, on the 24 December, a lot of people go to church service before they gather at home around the table for a nice dinner. The dinner can consist of a rib with a good crackling, ribbe, (served with "cabbage à la norvégienne", surkaal, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, sprouts, prunes and brown sauce), salted and dried ribs of mutton, pinnekjoett, (served with potatoes, carrots and mashed swedes), or lye-treated codfish, lutefisk (served with potatoes, bacon and pea stew). For dessert: rice blended with whipped cream served with a red sauce, riskrem, caramel pudding, cherry mousse, or whipped cream blended with multer (orange, wonderful berries found on the mountain - looks like raspberries). In the evening , julenissen, arrives with gifts. Often it is snowing. In the days between Christmas and New Years Eve, romjulen, the children sometimes go from house to house in the afternoon asking for sweets, this tradition is called "Christmas buck", julebukk. The tradition harkens back to the Viking times when pagans worshipped Thor and his goat, but just a few children keep up the tradition today.

Third District Today 9 2011 3D Christmas Word Match Can you match these holiday themed words with their Norwegian counterparts? Test yourself and find out! 1. Green ______A. Strømpe 2. Songs ______B. Gave 3. Snow ______C. Nyttår 4. Christmas ______D. Vinter 5. Christmas Eve ______E. Grønn 6. Greeting ______F. Julegrøt 7. Cookies ______G. Sletktninger 8. Stocking ______H. Pulk 9. Gift ______I. Sanger 10. Reindeer ______J. Juletre 11. New Year ______K. Krans 12. Snowflake ______L. Reinsdyr 13. Sleigh ______M. Engler 14. Red ______N. Snøfnugg 15. Wreath ______O. Småkaker 16. Relatives ______P. Jul 17. Winter ______Q. Snø 18. Angels ______S. Julaften 19. Christmas Porridge ______T. Rød 20. Christmas Tree ______U. Hilsen Answers: (1)E, (2)I, (3)Q, (4)P, (5)S, (6)U, (7)O, (8)A, (9)B, (10)L, (11)C, (12)N, (13)H, (14)T, (15)K, (16)G, (17)D, (18)M, (19)F, (20)J

MISTLETOE

The lore of goes back to Celtic and Norse mythology. Celts believed mistletoe was a sacred plant that had healing powers and could ward off evil spirits, said Ralph Thompson, mistletoe expert at Berea College in Kentucky. In Norse mythology, mistletoe is rooted in the myth of Balder,the god of the summer sun. As Christianity spread in Europe, Celtic and Norse practices were condemned as pagan rituals and banned. Not until Victorian times did kissing under the mistletoe gain acceptance again, and mistletoe became a symbol of romance and good luck.

CHRISTMAS BASKETS Take two pieces of colored paper about 8x12 cm and fold them in half (where the scissor is) before rounding the edge on the top. Cut several slots 2/3 of the way up from the bottom on both halves. Weave the two sides together as shown. Make a handle and glue it to the insides of the basket. Hang the basket on your Christmas tree and fill it up with goodies.

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Third District Today 10 2011 3D

Third District Today 11 2011