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.
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