Glædelig Jul

My first Danish Christmas was one for the story books. In fact, it felt like a holiday fairytale read as a little girl or an old movie seen during the holidays in black and white. All the traditions, customs, and rituals of the Danish folk seem to be caught somewhere back in time for this American expat. It holds a special place in Danish hearts and has definitely made an impression on mine.

We began with mass on Christmas Eve that was held in a church built in the 1200's. It was humbling sitting in a church with such history. I couldn't stop staring at all the paintings, pictures, and artifacts and wondering whether someone else was sitting in my same spot 700 years ago.

Then it was time for Christmas dinner with duck, brown potatoes, white potatoes with brown sauce, french potatoes and red cabbage with fruit. This meal is what every Dane across Denmark is having at approximately the same time. The closest thing I can compare the ritual to is the Thanksgiving feast in the US. Several hours later came the dessert, Risalamande, which was of course my favorite.

Next up, lighting the Christmas tree candles, putting presents under the tree, and dancing and singing around the tree and throughout the house in preparation for the gifts you are about to receive. I didn't know the words, but it didn't matter. I hummed along and got lost in the moment. There was something so cozy about the ritual that you couldn't help but laugh and smile and feel grateful.

Gratitude might be something we talk about at Thanksgiving in America, but in Denmark at Christmastime it is an unspoken feeling.

Give Peace a Chance

On December 10th the President of the United States accepted the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. This award has been subject of major debate and criticism in the US but for the most part has been regarded positively in Europe. People love Obama on this side of the pond (as seen by random graffiti on Copenhagen train tracks above). I find this disconnect rather interesting.

What does that say about us as Americans when other cultures can see the influence and potential our President has for our future as a global community? We seem to be a nation divided between which side we are on, internally. What we fail to see is that this award, and our President represents an idea, or possibility. That we have the ability to hope and inspire for more. Better relations between nations. A more peaceful coexistence.

The fact that as an American I am no longer afraid to travel internationally and feel safe announcing I am from the US brings me a huge sigh of relief. As an American citizen now living abroad, this is particularly important. Seeing the US from a different perspective (not being swallowed up inside it) has been a rather eye opening experience and one that I hope to take with me throughout the years no matter where I live.

Hopenhagen

It's been longer than I had hoped since my last post and that is one part vacation and two parts school and work. Over the past month my Danish has expanded, I have visited with my family and friends back in the States, and we have come home to a newly branded Copenhagen because of the UN Climate Conference being held here in December. Hopenhagen.

For me that one word means so many things. A hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for employment, not just for me but for everyone looking. Hope that the environment finally receives the global awareness it deserves. Hope that Copenhagen becomes the home I know it can be for me.

Come Jan 1 I hope I am able to adapt to my new schedule and routine with open arms and let the busy body inside me relax and relish this time to recharge my batteries. Maybe go back to school to get my Masters, really delve into my Danish studies, and take the time to find a new career, not just a job.

Most of all, I hope I have patience. Afterall, mother nature has been patiently waiting for us to wake up for years. I can give it a few more months!