CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD: SCANDINAVIA
To help welcome the upcoming Christmas holidays, I will post articles about Christmas celebrations in different parts of the world. My friend Bird Thor sent me the following link, “Christmas in Scandinavia,” so we will start in Scandinavia.

Christmas is celebrated throughout Scandinavia on the evening of December 24th. It is widely regarded as the most sacred holiday where families and relatives meet in their homes and celebrate. Besides the customary Christmas tree and presents under it, it is the traditional Julbord that is at the center of attention for most Scandinavians. A delicious home made protein rich feast that takes several days to prepare and has its roots in the Norse celebration of midvinterblot.
In Sweden, Christmas begins with the Saint Lucia day. The Saint Lucia ceremony takes place on December 13. Did you know that Swedish Christmas home decorations include red tulips? Christmas Eve is known as Julafton in Swedish. After the festive Christmas Eve dinner, someone dresses up as Tomte (Christmas gnome) who is believed to live under floorboards.
Be careful! In Denmark, the mischievous Danish elf Nisse plays pranks on people during Christmastime. On Christmas Eve, many Danish families leave some rice pudding or porridge for him so that he is nice to them. Children are not allowed to see the Christmas tree until dinner time on Christmas Eve (known as Juleaften) and parents decorate it secretly with home-made baubles.
Norway also has an elf called Nisse, but with the features of a goat (Julebukk in Norwegian.) The idea of Julebukk is a very old one and was probably known by the Vikings. There is a special Norwegian holiday cookie called Sand Kager. In the afternoons, children go from door to door to ask for treats and goodies.
When you spend Christmas in Finland, you will see that Finland shares some of its Scandinavian Christmas traditions with its neighbor Sweden – but then there are Christmas traditions in Finland that you’d never guess! A tip: Finnish sauna, anyone?
Iceland has many old traditions during Christmastime. Expect no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses! The origin of these “Santas” is centuries old, and each has its own name, character and role. A special custom for Icelandic children is to put a shoe in the window from December 12 until Christmas Eve. If they have been good, one of Iceland’s “Santas” leaves a gift – bad children receive a potato!

I especially enjoyed reading about all the wonderful foods that Scandinavian families prepare for Christmas.

White Chocolate-Cranberry Biscotti Recipe

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup vanilla or white chips
Add to Shopping List
Nutritional Facts
2 each: 281 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Directions
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in cranberries and vanilla chips. Divide dough into three portions.
On ungreased baking sheets, shape each portion into a 10-in. x 2-in. rectangle. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 1-in. slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.