Legend says, during Christmas in Denmark, the mischievous Danish elf Nisse plays pranks on people. Nisse often lives in old farmhouses and wears gray woolen clothes, red bonnet and stockings and white clogs. As a good elf, Nisse generally helps people on the farms and is good with children but plays jokes during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve in Denmark, many families leave a bowl of rice pudding or porridge for him so that he is friendly to them and keeps his jokes within limits.
My little Christmas tree adorned with Danish ornaments and other red and whites.
Last year on Christmas morning I made these wonderful aebleskiver's. I plan on making them again. I also should plan on running that day too!!
I put a variety of fruit in the center. I tried a small piece of apple, a blueberry or two and served them with linonberry jam. I think I may have even popped an m&m in one!!
This is my grandfather who came from Denmark. I think the winter's must have been really cold in Wyoming. Look at those chaps he's wearing!!!
According to his sister's obituary she was from Skanderborg, Denmark. When we visited my son while he was an exchange student we were able to go through that town. Not much is known about them but I thought this was a great photo op.
I loved the thatched roof farmhouses.
A beautiful view of the town of Ribe. Can you tell my other hobby is family history? I'm going to see my dad today- leaving as soon as I post this. He is the only son of my Danish grandfather. Both names Nels.
LOVE Nisse!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful family traditions.
ReplyDeleteYour kids shouldn't laugh, they will be proud of their heritage, and all the silly things that come with it, someday.
Brandie
We should all be proud of our heritage. Good for you! I love Nisse, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteUnsure how I missed the Christmas post of quilts...adorable! You have a fun little family....enjoy your holidays!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Christmas elfs and the story behind them too. Your blog is looking lovely with the changes. Have a great time visitng family.
ReplyDeleteSitting here in Denmark it's so much fun to learn that you have some of your roots in Denmark. In December you'll see NISSER (pl) all over the country and in almost every home. And you know what? My husbond's name is also Niels. In every home I think they'll have rice pudding in December - not always at Christmas Eve. We love it. I'm a quilter - as much as time allows me and I often read your blog :-9
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find such cute Nisse?
I need some!
My great aunt had a version of nisse hanging from her light fixture over the dining room table. I always thought they were dancers. Now I know better.
Your Danish tree is cute, too.
And you reminded me to get out my aebelskiver pan and use it!
Vicky F
Aren't those the funniest little guys! I am of Danish descent also, among others. I used to have one of those pans and wish I had it back. Looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little tree!
ReplyDeleteI never knew about the Danish Christmas customs. Thanks...
ReplyDeleteDid you make the Nisse? They are so endearing! Thank you for sharing one of your family stories. Putting our families in a historical context makes history so much more interesting. Louise
ReplyDeleteHey, how cool to see a photo of Ribe here. I was there several times and stood there on the church tower enjoying the beautiful scenery. We love the south of Denmark, it´s our favorite holiday area!
ReplyDeleteI grew up very near Solvang, CA and ableskiver are always part of a visit there *yummy*
ReplyDeleteI have nisser too around christmas decoraling the house. And the story you told about the nisser is still told to the children.
ReplyDeleteÆblerskiver belong to december and we eat them and drink gløgg (hot redwine with a little sugar,cinnamon,almonds and raisins).
Your candy stix quilt looks great.
Greetings from Denmark,
Anne-Mette