If you have moved to Denmark recently, and are staying for Christmas, there are some Danish Christmas traditions you should know about – the Danes have a way of bringing Christmas everywhere, also in work environments, why you need to be caught up.
My guide below will let you in on all of the insights and give you a good idea as to why Christmas in Denmark is an amazing time of the year.
Christmas calendars
In Denmark they take the countdown to Christmas very seriously, and they have Christmas calendars in many shapes and forms – TV-series, chocolate calendars, scratch card calendars and so on.
“Being an elf to each other”
Sure, it sounds weird, but it is actually a very kind and loving tradition, you most often see in schools or workplaces. In this tradition, you will be giving each other gifts without announcing who they are form. You each draw a name, and you are the “elf” to the person which name you get, and you have to give that person small gifts during December. Someone else will be doing the same for you. Before Christmas, you will all try to guess who has been acting as the “elf” for whom.
Cookies and candy
Danes have a thing for marzipan, nougat, chocolate and cookies, and many families in Denmark have a tradition for coming together in the early days of December to prepare the Christmas sweets.
Typically, the different members of the family will have a specific “job” in regards to this day – something they will take very seriously.
Making decoration together
And while some are making Christmas cookies and candy, others are making decorations and ornaments for Christmas. This too is a tradition in Denmark – both in families and in schools. Many schools will actually invite the parents to join the class for a creative day in December.
Santa Lucia
The 13th of December every year it’s the day of Lucia. This day kids will dress in white for a Lucia parade, where they will walk in lines, carrying candles and singing “Santa Lucia”. It’s a beautiful tradition, held by most schools and also different communities.
“Advent” – the Sunday lights
In Denmark every Sunday in December leading up to the 24th is called “advent” and is being celebrated. Some give their kids gifts every “advent” and others light candles. It’s a countdown for Christmas eve, and it’s something that the Danes take very seriously.
This is another example of how the Danes use their Christmas calendars.
Danish Christmas Decorations everywhere – in the workplace as well
The Danes love their Christmas decorations, and in public places they are being hung up in the beginning of November every year.
Most cities will have a lit Christmas tree in the middle of the town square, and there will be lights, decoration and ornaments in every window and every street for as far as you can see.
Dancing around the Christmas tree
On Christmas eve, every family in Denmark will take each other by the hand and dance around the lit Christmas tree, while singing Christmas carols. This is another Danish family tradition, and something they do before opening the presents. In Denmark they open the presents on Christmas eve, not in the morning.
A typical Christmas eve in Denmark
Christmas starts early in Denmark, and everything is leading up till the 24th – all of the traditions, and all of the activities meant for passing time.
On the day of Christmas eve, most families have their own traditions; Some bring home a tree, others watch a specific movie, others again make visits to loved ones.
On Christmas eve, Danes enjoy the classical Danish Christmas dinner consisting of a variety of meats, potatoes, sauce and different sides. After dinner, they will have another tradition, where there is an almond hidden in the dessert – whoever gets it wins.
When everyone has left the table, they will join hands in song and dance, before it’s time for the presents. And the rest of the evening is all about “hygge”.
Why do Danes celebrate Christmas on the 24th?
Christmas starts early in Denmark, and everything is leading up till the 24th – all of the traditions, and all of the activities meant for passing time.
On the day of Christmas eve, most families have their own traditions; Some bring home a tree, others watch a specific movie, others again make visits to loved ones.
What is a traditional Danish Christmas dinner?
A traditional Danish dinner will consist of potatoes, gravy or sauce and some kind of medium/rare meat. As a side, you will typically have a salat and some bread.
