Norway

In Norway, many people think of Christmas as a feast of lights—a time to bring light to the darkness and warmth to the winter. Church concerts and St. Lucia celebrations fill the days until Christmas Eve, when families enjoy feasting, singing carols around the tree, and waiting for either Nisse (the Christmas gnome) or Santa Claus to deliver gifts.

This Santa holds a traditional holiday straw decoration in the shape of a Julebukk, a Christmas goat. The legend behind this symbol evolved into a children’s Christmas custom similar to trick-or-treating known as going Julebukk.

Santa’s knitted robe is a modern example of an ancient art form. Based on centuries-old techniques, the craftsmanship and distinctive design of contemporary Norwegian knitwear is a source of national pride.

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