Julenisse

A few years ago, i wanted to find some holiday traditions of the different countries that our families hail from to inspire C. Monster's curiosity about this big ol' world and our family. When reading about Norway, i found the most adorable tradition to share with her--and you know, you really have to look hard to find some Norwegian traditions that a child or someone who is not Norwegian can stomach (my case stands rested at Lutefisk--we tried attending a Christmas celebration and craft fair at the Leif Erickson Hall, but that smorgasbord was a bit too much!)

So, after reading this book and doing a little research on the internets, i decided to go with the Julenisses. Nisses themselves are about the cutest little story i've ever heard!

I remember the first Christmas we had the music boxes, and when i played one, C. Monster came toddler running down the hall and asked "Wat wah dat, Mama?" That was the beginning of the Julenisse tradition in our house. And to get her imagination all wound up, i told her the tinkling must be the sound of the nisse running by--with bells on his shoes, just like she had.

It's that time of year again when we drag out the mini music boxes with their tinkly versions of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Jingle Bells and crank on one each day. Moose thinks i'm crazy, but C.m. has loved the Julenisse ever since she was a little wee one.





Mainly because you never know when the 'Nisse is going to show up throughout the year! Sometimes when she is being an extremely helpful girl, she'll hear the tinkling of the 'Nisse who's come to check up on her. And he definitely makes a point to show up when she's being a bit naughty. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

So this week, especially, is such fun for me, as i pull out the music boxes while Moose and her are reading for bedtime. Especially perfect as there is a squeaky floor board just near her room. She'll hear the music over Daddy's imitation of a whatever he is reading about that night and that floor board squeak, then you hear, "Listen, Daddy! The Nisse's here! Heee hee hee hee"

Don'tcha just love Christmastime!?!


For more on Norwegian Christmas traditions click here