Christmas Eve
Julegilde, by Lars Jorde The original painting can be viewed at Norway's National Gallery in Oslo If you are lucky enough to be a guest on this evening of celebration in a Scandinavian home you'll be greeted by the embrazing warmth of the living room, the table set with an abundance of food and decorated with cut flowers under the copper glow of candle light. The evocative smell of evergreen pine emanates from the Christmas tree. You'll find it is not an artificial tree, it is a tree fresh from the forest, decorated with ornaments, lights and garlands of tiny flags. Joining hands, forming a circle, and walking around the christmas tree singing christmas carols may often be part of the celebration. Such moments, though simple and spontaneous, are likely to stay with participants as a warm lifelong memory. This evening all the traditional delicacies are offered - it is when the big meal of the year is eaten.
And after dessert, the plates of cookies and cakes are either placed on a table or passed from hand to hand - the coffee pot is emptied and emptied again. But the feasting by no means ends with this important evening. The next day there is cold buffet - and on the 26th and 27th when calls are made on friends, still more food. The enjoyment can go on as long as the season lasts - and to many in Scandinavia, Christmas is not over until well into January. The Eve of Christmas The long, long winter night 
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