Northern Yule

Since a picture is worth a thousand words it seems appropriate to include the scene from an old Scandinavian Christmas Card below:

The old christmas card here depicts the "Nisse" surveying the wintry scene with the "Julenek" set up on the roof to give the birds their share of food at holiday time. The Nisse is the approximastion of Santa Claus or St. Nick - but he is quite different, the legend has it that his role in the scheme of things is to be a watchful presence on the farm - one who oversees the wellbeing of everyone - people and animals.

It was considered important to stay on his good side - not to cross him or upset him. The tradition of setting out porridge for him at Christmas is remembered to this day.

Nisse traditions

In Sweden - it's the Tomte

Riding to Church on Christmas Eve

In parts of Scandinavia

it is the custom to ride to church in

horsedrawn sleighs

with the torches lit to lend an atmosphere

of festivity and celebration in the

cold and dark time of the year

representing Yuletide.

Winter evening in a small town in Norway

Northern Yule