Introduction
The holiday season has always been a time for gathering, storytelling, and sharing food that warms both body and soul. Growing up, the family's holiday table was filled with dishes that brought generations together—each with its own story, rich with heritage and a sprinkle of nostalgia. This year, we want to share some highlights from our festive table, with a particular focus on our family's homeland of Norway, a land where history and culture intertwine with holiday flavors.
The Roots of Norwegian Festivities
Norwegian holiday traditions have a unique warmth to them, rooted in centuries-old customs, shaped by the natural elements of a long, cold winter. Norway's festive traditions draw from a mix of Norse mythology, Christian customs, and a hearty dash of practical necessity. It’s no surprise that many of the dishes central to a Norwegian holiday have their origins in times when survival depended on clever ways to preserve food.
Imagine a time centuries ago, during the Viking Age, when Yule (or “Jól”) was celebrated as a midwinter feast—a way to honor the gods and ask for light to return. This early Norwegian holiday revolved around food and community, and the traditions established then linger today in the form of hearty stews, smoked meats, and rich breads. During these long winter months, preservation techniques like curing, fermenting, and smoking became essential, and these methods made their way into our holiday cuisine.
Lutefisk and Pinnekjøtt: Tradition with Every Bite
For many Norwegians, no holiday table is complete without lutefisk. Made from dried cod rehydrated in lye, lutefisk is a dish that demands patience and a sense of tradition. Its origins stretch back to when fishermen relied on preservation methods to ensure their catches would last through the winter. It’s an acquired taste, but lutefisk represents history—a reminder of the resilience of our ancestors. When served with boiled potatoes, white sauce, and a sprinkling of crispy bacon, it also represents comfort. The distinct smell of lutefisk cooking instantly brings me back to my grandmother's kitchen, where the windows fogged up from the steam, and laughter echoed around the dining table.
Another favorite is pinnekjøtt, a dish of salted, dried lamb ribs, steamed to perfection. It’s a rustic, hearty meal that harkens back to the traditions of Western Norway, where sheep farming was a way of life. There are many family stories of growing up in a small fjord-side villages, where pinnekjøtt was prepared in late autumn, the meat hanging outside to dry. This holiday meal is always served with rutabaga mash, buttery and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the savory lamb. The scent of the lamb steaming always makes me think of our family gatherings—the adults laughing and swapping stories, while the kids sat around the tree, waiting for dessert.
Baking Traditions: Sweet Memories in Every Bite
Of course, no Norwegian Christmas would be complete without the syv slag, or “seven kinds of cookies.” This tradition of baking seven different types of cookies before Christmas stretches back generations and is one that brings everyone into the kitchen. It isn't uncommon for a family to spend an entire weekend in December rolling, cutting, and baking pepperkaker (spiced ginger cookies), krumkaker (delicate, waffle-like cookies rolled into cones), and sandkaker (shortbread-like cookies pressed into small fluted tins).
Another family favorite is kransekake, the towering almond ring cake that graces many festive gatherings in Norway. As a child, those intricate rings always felt like pure magic. With each bite, its chewy texture and sweet almond flavor bring back memories of snowy nights, candlelight flickering on windowsills, and the warmth of family gathered close. It’s a recipe lovingly passed down through generations, from great-grandmothers to their children. Each time it's made, there’s a sense of connection to the women who came before—hands working the same dough, shaping the same rings, with the same care.
A Taste of History: Gløgg and Togetherness
The heart of any holiday meal isn't just in the food—it's in the sharing of stories, the laughter, and the warmth of togetherness. In Norway, we keep warm with gløgg, a spiced mulled wine filled with raisins and almonds. Gløgg became popular in Norway during the 1800s when it was brought over by traders. It became a popular drink at Christmas markets and gatherings, its warmth perfect for combating the cold of the long winter nights.
The scent of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus wafting through the house as gløgg simmers is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. It’s not just a drink—it’s a ritual. Families gather around, mugs in hand, watching the steam rise and sharing stories. The youngest sit wide-eyed, captivated by tales of snowy streets and bustling markets.
Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Present
The holidays remind us of the importance of preserving our heritage, of keeping alive the recipes and traditions passed down through the generations. As I set our table with some of those traditional dishes like lutefisk, pinnekjøtt, and kransekake, I can't help but be reminded that we are not just feeding our bodies but also nourishing our connection to those who came before us. Food is our way of telling stories—of sharing who we are and where we come from.
This holiday season, I invite you to reflect on your own family's traditions. What are the countries and the dishes that bring your loved ones together? What scents and flavors evoke your fondest memories? Perhaps it’s time to pass down a recipe, tell a story, or even start a new tradition that will be cherished for generations to come.
May your holidays be filled with warmth, delicious food, and the stories that tie your family’s past to its present. From our family’s festive table to yours—Glade Høytider (Happy Holidays!)