All the way from Norway

We usually get together on the Allred side each fast Sunday for dinner. This month we were treated to a fancy and foreign Norwegian holiday feast since Grandma had spent some time in Norway and wanted to let our family experience a little bit of this far off place where our cousins live.

We ate sausage and parsnips and cabbage, boiled potatoes, fish and sweet rolls. It was interesting and different and definitely foreign to some of us. It was a good "mission meal" test for my boys. "Now what would you do if this was served to you on your mission?" We have this test often in our home to get them to try things they don't like to eat.

It usually doesn't work.

For dessert we had rice pudding, the traditional Norwegian Christmas Eve dessert and one lucky person found an almond in their bowl. Whoever found it got a wonderful surprise. A marzipan pig. My kids were fascinated.


After dinner we gathered around Grandma to hear about Norwegian Christmas traditions.

(See that little guy in the front, that is the Nisse, the Norwegian version of Santa.)

We learned about St. Lucia, and the festival of lights.

My girls were thrilled to demonstrate and pass out gingersnaps.

And then the doorbell rang.

And right there on the doorstep was the cutest little Nisse you have ever seen.

All the way from Norway!

He brought bags of treats and candy for everyone.

I sure love that Nissa. And I love Grandma for putting together this wonderful festive evening. How do you say thank you in Norwegian? OK, I have no idea.

But, thank you thank you in plain old English!

We had a great time!