Norwegian Christmas Weekend
Check here for a schedule of the weekend's events.
Experience the living traditions of a Norwegian Christmas at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum on December 5 and 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. A lively event that appeals to all ages, the Norwegian Christmas Weekend features folk-art demonstrations, live music, a book signing, Scandinavian food, and many holiday traditions, both old and new. Check back soon for a complete schedule of events.
Norwegian Traditions
A favorite activity throughout the weekend is the
juletrefest, when young and old join hands and sing Christmas songs while
they march around the tree. They
also hear about Christmas in Norway while they await a visit from the julenisse (the Christmas elf, who roams through the museum complex). Traditional folk
beliefs are brought to life by julebukker (costumed folk who scare away evil
spirits.)
Crafts
Hands-on activities for children include making traditional ornaments
from simple materials like straw, paper, and yarn. Children in both Norway
and
America still
enjoy the Norwegian custom of making woven paper hearts.
Folk Art
Artists demonstrate
figure carving and other forms of woodworking, rosemaling, rug hooking, straw-ornament
making, spinning, and weaving. Christmas trees
decorated with examples of the folk arts of Norway are integrated into
the museum’s exhibitions.
Music
Several Decorah-area musicians and vocal groups will help create a festive atmosphere, including the Luren Singing Society, the Decorah Chorale, the Decorah High School Madrigal Singers, Oneota Valley Youth Choir, and Northern Lights.
Also, regional radio station KVIK/KNEI will broadcast live from the museum.
Exhibitions
Norwegian Christmas Weekend is a great time to
view the museum’s special exhibitions. The exhibition Sacred Symbols, Ceremonial Cloth explores
the
pre-Christian function of symbols in textiles: good luck, fertility, protection, and the spiritual link.
Food
The special activities
of the Norwegian Christmas Weekend always give visitors an appetite for some
good Norwegian food. Vesterheim’s
Kaffistova (coffee
shop) will offer an a la carte menu of traditional tastes such
as lefse, ertersuppe,
smørbrød, tyttebær saft, and a variety of desserts, including
rømmegrøt, søtsuppe, julekake, krumkake, rosettes, and sandbakkels.
Gifts
In both
Norway and America, finding special gifts for friends and family is
an important part of the Christmas season. Many of the
artists demonstrating
throughout
the museum complex offer their work for sale during the weekend.
Shopping at
the museum stores is a great way to support the museum’s mission.
Visit Vesterheim’s Museum Store and Folk Art Supply Shop, which
will have
special holiday offerings
during the Norwegian Christmas Weekend. Lisa Adams, a representative from Dale of Norway sweaters, will be on hand in the Museum Store throughout the day on Saturday.