Christmas in the Nordics

 

Most people will feel a sense of anticipation when they hear the word "Christmas". Warmth, atmosphere, and togetherness. Loneliness, sorrow, and exclusion. Santa Claus, Christmas food, and gifts. The word "Jul" in the Scandinavian languages comes from the Norse word "jól", which was the name of the great Nordic mid-winter festival to mark the winter solstice. Old folklore has it that supernatural beings came to life on Christmas Eve, while in Christian belief, Christmas is associated with the birth of Jesus. Perhaps it is this mystique and all the different expectations that make Christmas an exciting theme in literature? Because whether you celebrate Christmas or not, things are not the way they use to be in the Nordic countries as the calendar approaches the end of December.