Christmas Carols # 11

This used to be my favorite song when I was a child. Singing,dancing , clapping and bowing to the lyrics of the Christmas Gospel. In Norway we sing carols when walking around the Christmas tree. We walking one circle clockwise, the other counter clock e.t.c. I have posted a video for you to see. I know that music generates happy memories. This song have been special to Norwegian children for more than hundred years.No wonder we love this time of the year. It's in our genes!

 

A Carol from Norway
"O Jul Med Din Glede"
Gustava Kielland

1. O Christmas, you season of childlike delight,
We all give you heartiest welcome;
Our voices we raise in a song clear and bright,
To bid you a thousand times welcome.—

Our hands we will clap, clap, clap,
As merry as can be; so glad are we this day to see,
We circle all around, bow and curtsey. ----

2. O wise men who come from the lands of the East,
We know of the Babe you are seeking;
We pray we may join you in your holy quest,
And follow the star brightly beaming.—

Our hands we will clap, clap, clap,
As merry as can be; so glad are we this day to see,
We circle all around, bow and curtsey. ----

3. In joy and thanksgiving I offer my hand,
And ask that you give yours in token,
That we be united by this sacred band:
God's love through the ages unbroken. –

Our hands we will clap, clap, clap,
As merry as can be; so glad are we this day to see,
We circle all around, bow and curtsey.

Nativity Scnene on Tuesday

A Norwegian enter hall is bigger than the Americans. First one is supposed to take off ones shoes in the outer entry room. Then there's a wardrobe for coats and rain gear e.t.c. Just because of the climate we simply need lots and lots of space for these things. Then there's our old chest of drawers containing this and that, scarves, mittens, caps, reflex bonds, sunglasses and whatever one might need for a comfortable outdoor life.
This Advent I also set up our Nativity Scene there.

Even though the same old figurines are present, they every year seem to choose different ways of presenting themselves . The main persons, Josef, Maria, baby Jesus and the shepherds were bought home made of white plaster in the seventies. We were three friends who came together to paint them with watercolours. They sorely need repainting, but because of the good memories, I'm somewhat reluctant to do that. Home made angels from way back are attending. So are people from every corner of the world.
The cernit angels are reading in the old Bible belonging to my father, the Gospel from Luke 2.

Serina's red haired angel seems to have been partying too much before the night. Oh, I love that funny face. I also love the wise-man from Germany, given to me by my life long German friend Christa. The mini chandelier is a gift from a family friend, Magda. She deeply influenced me in her mild, but firm way of living Christianity. She would have been 124 years this January. I still miss her and cherish every single memory after her.

The Globe is placed there for symbolic reasons. The treasure chest is from one of Serina's many toys. The little puppy has faithfully followed me for 56 years. It sure deserves its place among the worshippers.

Persons of all sizes and shapes are present. The big ones originally belonged to my second Nativity Scene. I gave it away this Christmas to a family who had none. The shepherd and the flute player figurines are made of ceramic and bought just because I stumbled over them and thought they might fit in with the rest of the crowd. The Weihnachtsmann is another gift from Christa.

Wishing you all a Silent Night with peace at heart wherever you may be.

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December report

A short report from over the sea. Our advent celebrations started November 28th this year, the first of four Advent Sundays. Or, to be honest, it started Saturday November 27th, as Gunnar had to carry 16 boxes of Advent and Christmas decorations down from the attic.
On the Advent wreath two lights have been lit by now.
The color of Advent is purple, but I feel free to use the colors of my liking.
In the churches it is right to follow the sacral colors though. Did you know that the church year starts with advent, the waiting for the arrival of Messiah?
Hosting a Christmas workshop is my greatest advent pleasure. Tradition from when I was a child. Earlier I invited Serina and her friends. Now my hiker friends are perfect company..

This year angels in various forms were the theme of the workshop. Our kitchen is the perfect place for these activities. No place or making food, so I ordered open sandwiches from a neighbor.
This year angels in various forms were the theme of the workshop. Our kitchen is the perfect place for these activities. No place for making food, so I ordered open sandwiches from a neighbor.
We downloaded angels from the Internet and used several techniques, decoupage, ironing on fabric, painting e.t.c.
My Youle nisser are admiring Liv's and Tilly's skills from their hiding place on top of the cupboard .
So do the angels in our window. Hearts belong to Christmas decorations as well. In 90 % of Norwegian homes you'll also see this Advent Candlestick shining from one ore more windows in December.
Our regular house guest, the cat belonging to our neighbors was also very curious as to what was going on for more than six hours that very day. He sure doesn't like to be ignored.
Who does?

RUBY WONDERLAND

Usually we are dreaming of a White Christmas. This year we seem to have got it, despite the depressing news from the climate conference in Copenhagen. Time to visit the cemetery and place burning lights on the graves of loved ones.
A girl in red is the alibi for this pic.
An angle came with the good news to the world.
Serina is carrying lights for outdoor decorations. Norwegians are modest decorators. Somehow I think this does the trick. Some red in darling daughter's jacket.


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