the INN Expats December Newsletter here!

Stavanger Chamber of Commerce and Industry
www.rosenkilden.com
Winter Newsletter
December 2014
Issue 11 – Year 9
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Eye on December
December is considered the first winter month for the southwest coast of Norway. A glance at the
weather forecast will often reveal quite a big difference in temperatures between the coastal
areas in the west to the areas further inland to the east. Seeing temperatures below freezing in
Oslo and above freezing in cities like Bergen and Stavanger is quite common. The Stavanger area
will often have the highest temperatures in the country at this time of the year. Because of this,
snowfall is normally a month away at this time, as it is not cold enough during daytime, but at
nighttime temperatures drop considerably, creating icy conditions on the roads. Be prepared for
the same effect on your windshield in the morning. The December newsletter provides
information on the many options for winter sports in the area, and also the preparations needed
in order to enjoy them.
Although retailers have kick started the season already, December is of course the actual month
for the Christmas celebrations. This time of year is special in Norway, as the atmosphere with
shorter and darker days and perhaps some sprinkles of snow easily puts you in a Christmas spirit
portrayed in the most cliché filled Christmas movies. Smoke can frequently be seen from the many
chimneys around the country, and candles light up the homes. As in many other European
countries, Norwegian towns and cities offer an abundance of Christmas fairs and markets,
seasonal concerts and performances. In Norway you even have the possibility to cut your own
Christmas tree! So let us start off the December 2014 newsletter by heading out into the woods
with ax in hand…
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Yes! You’re in a country now where you can actually do this, just like in the movies. Head out there
and cut down your own Christmas tree! The joy of decorating a Christmas tree your family cut
down is great fun for everyone, especially the kids. There are many Christmas tree plantations
where you may pick your own tree and cut it down on the premises. Most of these farms provide
nets to make the transportation easier. A bit of planning will guarantee a 100% pleasant
experience. Know the height you are aiming for in advance (a small tree will turn out massive
inside). “Yes, you sure picked a nice looking tree but you forgot to bring a rope to attach it to the
car, dear…” Avoid ending up in such a situation…
Here is a list of Christmas tree farms in the region:
Selvig Juletre
www.selvigjuletre.no
Goaveien 3, 4070 Randaberg
Rennesøy Juletregård
www.rennesoyjuletregard.no
Galtaveien 70, 4150 Rennesøy
Open Saturday and Sunday 6. – 7, 13. – 14. and 20. – 21. December from 11:00 until it gets dark. If
you want to come outside of opening hours you can call to make an appointment. There is a
payment terminal available.
Tradisjonstre
www.tradisjonstre.no/selvhogst.html
Heia, Strand kommune (between Tau and Jørpeland)
Open Saturdays and Sundays 6. – 7, 13. – 14. and 20. – 21. December from 11:00 until 16:00. If you
want to come outside of opening hours you can call to make an appointment.
Voll Juletregard
www.voll-juletregard.no
Solaveien 450, 4354 Voll
Open during the week from 15:00 until 18:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 – 18:00 and Sundays from
12:00 – 18:00.
From Saturday 22. November you can buy Christmas trees and various Christmas decorations at
Voll Juletregard. During the last weekends before Christmas there will also be a Christmas market
with homemade products. It is possible for children to go pony riding on Saturdays and Sundays
between 12:00 and 16:00, and it is possible to bring sausages to throw on the grill. Drinks are
available in the shop.
Arboret, Espeland
www.rogalandarboret.no/index.cfm?id=94617
4308 Sandnes
The last two weeks before Christmas, trees and decorations will be sold at Arboret. Saturday and
Sunday the 13. – 14. and 20. – 21. December the traditional Norwegian Christmas pudding will be
on offer. Follow the ads in Aftenbladet and posters at Arboret in December for more information.
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Museums & Art
The Norwegian Children's Museum
Mon. – Sun. 11:00 – 16:00
The Norwegian Children's Museum is one of a
handful of its kind in Europe. The exhibitions
and activities are about almost anything
connected with children and childhood. A
children's museum combines the "traditional"
museum's focus on documentation and the
exhibition of objects from the past with the
young person's wish to participate, investigate
and play. A children's museum also evokes
nostalgia and the recollection of one's own
childhood. You will walk through the maze of
growing up in a museum world of exhibitions,
activities and theatre.
The museum offers exhibitions, activities, toys, a tree hut, labyrinths, board games and play.
You find the museum at Muségaten 16 in Stavanger http://kart.gulesider.no/m/9Z90m For more
information visit http://www.museumstavanger.no/museums/the-norwegian-childrens-museum
Roots of the Vikings
Mon. – Sun. 12:00 – 18:00
The Vikings are back! This time at Østervågkaien 39 in Stavanger.
Roots of the Vikings consists of nine separate presentations
including the beginning of the Viking age, the Viking ship, Vikings as
explorers, traders and warriors, as well as the unification of Norway
in 872AD. The exhibit explores the exodus to Iceland - where many
Norwegians who opposed king Harold Fairhair's rule found refuge as well as the development of democratic traditions that laid the
foundation for our modern political system, all vividly presented
through interactive media and animations with original artwork and
soundtrack created by leading Norwegian artists.
Roots of the Vikings let you relive the history of the Vikings in a
groundbreaking and unique setting.
For more information visit www.rootsotv.no , call 482 00 010 or send an email to
[email protected]
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The Canning Museum
Mon. - Sun. 11:00 - 16:00
The museum is located in the premises of the
former canning factory in Øvre Strandgate 88,
which is a part of the city known as 'Gamle
Stavanger' (Old Stavanger). In this authentic factory
environment, the production of canned brisling and
fish balls can still be seen.
From the 1890s to approximately 1960, the canning
industry was Stavanger's most significant trade. The
exhibition provides insight into the environment
and the working conditions of the canning
factories. The complete process, from the arrival of the fresh fish until the cans leave the factory,
can be seen in detail. The machinery is still in good technical condition, and on every first Sunday
of the month, as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer season, the smoking ovens
are lit. On these days, visitors can taste freshly smoked brisling right from the oven.
For more information call 51 84 27 00 or visit www.museumstavanger.no
Stavanger Museum of Fine Arts
Tue. – Sun. 11:00 – 16:00
The address is Henrik Ibsensgate 55 in
Stavanger, but it is a lot easier to relate if we
say it is pretty much the only building by the
Mosevatnet walking path. And what a
building it is! Stavanger Museum of Fine Arts
offers a collection of distinguished
Norwegian art ranging from nineteenth
century to contemporary art. Of particular
interest is the unique collection of paintings
by Lars Hertervig (1830-1902) who was born
in Tysvær by Stavanger, and whose
romantic, powerful and highly personal
landscapes still have as strong impact on the
viewers.
The museum also contain the Hafsten Collection, a former private collection of works by midtwentieth century painters, making the museum a national centre for art from this period.
For more information call 51 84 27 00 or visit www.museumstavanger.no
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Museum of Archaeology in Stavanger
Mon. – Fri. 10:00 – 15:00 / Sat. – Sun. 11:00 – 17:00
Close to the city centre in Peder
Klowsgate 30, you find the Museum of
Archaeology in Stavanger.
The museum displays cultural and
natural history over a 15.000-year
period. Here you will find prehistoric
articles from Rogaland and exhibitions
on varied themes and public archives
of prehistoric sites. Models show
prehistoric life, and exhibits of natural
historic highlights. The museum offers
children's activities, computer games,
library, bookshop, shop and a café.
For more information, call 51 83 26 00 or visit am.uis.no
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Christmas Program
Do not miss the opportunity to catch Klon Kokos jul at Sola kulturhus. This is a sure recipe for
getting you and your family in the right mood ahead of the holidays. The show is in Norwegian, but
the Christmas spirit is truly international! Visit http://solakulturhus.no/program/vis/klon-kokos-jul for
more info and tickets!
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Stavanger City Center: Christmas lights on!
28.11.14
A colorful blanket of lights in Øvre Holmegate, a twinkling starlit sky in Søregata, traditional
garlands with red hearts, yellow stars, white Christmas ornaments and nostalgic gingerbread men
made of organic material lights up the streets of Stavanger.
Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen)
From 29.11.14
Stavanger Aftenblad arranges a competition in the
making of gingerbread houses (pepperkakehus). On
Saturday November 30, all the gingerbread houses
that contribute to the competition will be exhibited
for the public as a gingerbread village in the
Stavanger Aftenblad building at Nykirkebakken 2 in
Stavanger. The public votes for their favorites in
different categories; the nicest one, the most
charming one and the most creative one.
The grand opening will be at 11:00 and Christmas
porridge will be served. Guaranteed to get you in
true Christmas spirit.
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Christmas tree Lighting – Domkirkeplassen in Stavanger
30.11.14 at 17:00
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree on Domkirkeplassen by the Stavanger Cathedral is
guaranteed to draw a crowd of all ages every year. A band and a choir set the mood whilst playing
and singing the songs of the season. The kids love this tradition. It is also a great opportunity to
make a contribution to the Salvation Army collecting for the less fortunate. A large pot will be
placed by the tree throughout the month.
Norwegian Petroleum Museum: Christmas workshop for children
30.11.14 from 10:00 – 18:00
At the Petroleum Museum’s
Christmas Workshop you can make
exiting and unique gifts for yourself,
your family and friends. You can
explore the museum's secrets with
the help of an exciting track trail!
Suitable for children in all ages. This
is an experience guaranteed free of
pine needles, decorations and
Christmas music for those needing
a break from it all.
Visit www.norskolje.museum.no for
more info.
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Christmas market in Gamle Stavanger
30.11.14 from 11:00 – 16:00
Make sure to visit the annual Christmas Market in Gamle Stavanger. The old part of the city is a
perfect backdrop to get you into the proper Christmas spirit. Carol singing, quaint galleries and
warm drinks on offer.
Exciting activities for young and old at Stavanger Maritime Museum, the Norwegian Canning
Museum and the Norwegian Printing Museum between 11am - 4pm.
The Norwegian Canning Museum will be smoking sardines; Tore Førland will fire up the oven and
will invite the audience to taste freshly smoked sardines straight from the oven. The company
Iddisklubben Norway Brand will also be present, you will be able to exchange labels with them.
The café in the working residence in Øvre Strandgate 90, with interiors from the 1920s and 1960s,
will also be open. Waffles, ice cream and hot drinks will be available to purchase.
For more information, visit www.museumstavanger.no
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Julebyen in Egersund
04.12.14 – 14.12.14
Julebyen in Egersund has been arranged since 2004 and grows bigger every year. Here you will
find stalls selling everything the heart desires in connection with Christmas. There is also a packed
program every day including bands, choirs, puppetry shows, concerts and parades.
Egersund is easily accessible by train from Stavanger and Sandnes. Visit www.nsb.no to purchase
tickets. Check out the exact opening hours at www.julebyen.no.
Stavanger konserthus: Christmas with Nordic tenors & the Neumann Strings
06.12.14 at 18:00
Christmas does not start properly until the
Nordic Tenors have sprinkled their musical
stardust upon us. Together with guitarist
Tobias Neumann from Sweden and his
eminent string ensemble “The Neumann
Strings” offer a show full of humor and
Christmas spirit. On the program is
everything from the well-known and
beloved Christmas songs to U.S. hits.
Visit www.stavanger-konserthus.no for info.
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Stavanger konserthus: MGPjr Christmas Concert
07.12.14 at 14:00 and 17:00
The stars of Eurovision junior song contest keeps the tradition alive! This year they have put
together a brilliant concert and are going on tour in many places in the country. The concert will
obviously consist of the stars' own Eurovision junior hits, interspersed with familiar Christmas
songs and perhaps some less known songs that belong to the time before Christmas. It is party, it
is fun, it is rock'n'roll!
Visit www.stavanger-konserthus.no for more information and to purchase tickets.
Magasin Blaa and Straensenteret: St. Lucia celebration
13.12.14 at 11:00
Torchlight parade and traditional baked goods. At Magasin Blaa there is a drawing table and
making of Christmas decorations for the kids. At Straensenteret there is an abundance of activities
and you have a big chance of meeting Santa Claus also.
Merry Christmas at Breidablikk
14.12.14 from 11:00 – 16:00
Enjoy the good old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere with activities at the Berentsen family’s
magnificent villa from 1881. Animals, plays and traditional Christmas food at the barn.
You find Breidablikk at Eiganesveien 40a, Stavanger: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/nzNu6
Stavanger konserthus: Oslo Gospel Choir 25 years!
14.12.14 at 19:00
Unbelievably, it is already 25 years since it all started. We are very much looking forward to this
exiting year of celebrating the good news. Tore W. Aas has written a new song summing up the
whole vision of the choir; "GOD GAVE ME A SONG"! The traditional Christmas Tour will take place
all over Norway in December. Do not miss the chance to experience the choir when in Stavanger!
Visit www.stavanger-konserthus.no for more info.
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ENTER THE “Explore the outdoors with a local” VIDEO CONTEST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Be an ambassador for your municipality! As a local, give YOUR #insiderstipsRS on how to best
enjoy nature in the Stavanger region.
Win a cruise for two along the magnificent Lysefjord with Rødne Fjord Cruise and two tickets
to enjoy a spring show at Stavanger Konserthus or a night’s stay for two with Spa at Sola
Strand Hotel!
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Create your video. It can be fancy with graphics and music or super simple. It can be no
longer than one minute in length.
2. Post the video to Instagram or YouTube. Make sure it is titled, "Explore the outdoors with a
local" and shared with the hashtags #insiderstipsRS # (your municipality) and
#RegionStavanger.
If you do not already have one, you will need to create a YouTube or Instagram account.
3. The finalist videos, one in each municipality, will be displayed at
www.regionstavanger.com/insiderstips
4. Vote for your favorite video at www.regionstavanger.com/insiderstips
The winner will be announced March 15 2015. Submissions until March 10, 2015.
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What’s on?
Galleri Amare: Exhibition by Kristian Finborud
04.12.14 – 04.01.15
Kristian Finborud's art etchings are always printed by hand by the artist. This is a comprehensive
and time-consuming process that turns each print into a unique piece of art. By printing several
plates on the same subject helps achieve a rich color variation in each print.
Visit www.galleriamare.no for more info.
Skagenkaien (Vågen): Market in the City Centre
06.12.14
Market in the City Centre will be held monthly throughout
the year. It will be located in the inner harbor, on both sides
of the fish market.
The market will showcase a broad selection of merchandize
and offer great experiences such as cultural events and food
presentations.
A lot of people have requested a good market in Stavanger,
maintaining the European marked tradition. The Market in
the City Centre is a feel-good collaboration between the fish
market of Stavanger, Sjøhuset Skagen and Stavanger Sentrum
AS, under the expert guidance of iPAX Food AS. The aim is to
reclaim and to furher develop a long market tradition.
Local goods of top quality directly from the producers!
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BI Stavanger: Information Meeting
05.12.14 at 13:00
BI Norwegian Business School offers two part-time master programmes that are entirely taught in
English: Executive Master of Management in Energy and Executive MBA
The first programme is a specialized master degree in energy, and the second one is an Executive
MBA where you can choose between three specializations: Global, Energy and Maritime Offshore.
BI Norwegian Business School is the only Triple Crown school in Norway, and the programmes are
in cooperation with renowned schools in Paris, Madrid, Singapore and US.
The information meeting is at the school premises in Hesbygata 5, Stavanger.
Contact: [email protected]
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Folken: BigBang
17.12.14 at 20:00
BigBang is a Norwegian rock band led by
frontman Øystein Greni. Through the
years, the band line-up has altered
several times while staying a trio, with
Greni remaining the one constant
member. BigBang has been described as
"Norway's best live band", with the
recording Radio Radio TV Sleep holding
the distinction of being the bestselling
live album ever to be released in
Norway. The song lyrics are all in English.
Visit www.folken.no for more info.
Nobel Peace Price
The Nobel Peace Prize is an international prize,
which is awarded annually by the Norwegian Nobel
Committee according to guidelines laid down in
Alfred Nobel's will. The Peace Prize is one of five
prizes that have been awarded annually since 1901
under the auspices of the Nobel Foundation in
Stockholm for outstanding contributions in the
fields of physics, chemistry, physiology or
medicine, literature, and peace. Starting in 1969, a
Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in
Memory of Alfred Nobel has also been awarded.
Whereas the other prizes are awarded by specialist committees based in Sweden, the Peace Prize
is awarded by a committee appointed by the Norwegian Storting. According to Nobel's will, the
Peace Prize is to go to whoever "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between
nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of
peace congresses". The prize includes a medal, a personal diploma, and a large sum of prize
money (currently 8 million Swedish crowns).
The Nobel Peace Prize has been called "the world's most prestigious prize". With the award to The
European Union in 2012, a total of 101 individuals and 24 organizations have been awarded the
Peace Prize. The Prize is awarded at a ceremony in the Oslo City Hall on December 10, the date on
which Alfred Nobel died.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 is to be
awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for their struggle against the suppression of
children and young people and for the right of all children to education.
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Winter sports
Skiing
Due to both temperatures and conditions, skiing in December is usually a bit premature for
Sirdalen and lower lying ski centers. Still December is the month you want to prepare yourself for
the season. At www.skiinfo.no you can follow the conditions of the most important ski areas and
resorts in Norway (and the rest of the world).
Where to buy your gear
The two largest and cheapest stores selling ski gear are G-Max and XXL, located at the Tvedt
Senteret at Forus. The ski models and waxes are pretty much the same everywhere, so low price
does not equal low quality. At these large stores you’ll find nice starter packages; ski, boots,
bindings and poles. A starter package for cross-country skiing can cost from 1.000 NOK only. For
1.500 NOK – 2.000 NOK you have top quality gear for a beginner. Any pair of cross-country skis are
suitable for cross-country skiing in Sirdal. Wax less skis are brilliant and there is no further hassle.
What to get (to put on your Christmas wish list)
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A ‘ bottom warmer’ of leather skin for when you want to sit down in the snow for a snack.
Can be bought at Husfliden for example (Kirkegata 7, Stavanger).
Wool underwear, pants and shirts, to keep you warm when it is cold out there. Can be
bought at OBS, XXL and G-Max.
A fleece as an extra layer between the wool and jacket. Can also be bought at OBS, XXL and
G-Max.
A windbreaker jacket to keep you warm in the cold wind. OBS, XXL and G-Max.
A woolen sweater to wear on top of you windbreaker jacket when you want to enjoy your
lunch. Can be bought at Fretex for about 300 NOK. In other shops it is much more
expensive. There are a couple of Fretex shops in Stavanger, one is in the city center at
Breigata 20 in Stavanger.
Ski locations in the Sirdal area
Sirdal is the area closest to Stavanger and will normally offer good conditions during winter. Here
you will find great options for both alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. Information and news
about skiing in Sirdal is found on: www.sirdal.no/en
The main village in Sirdal is Sinnes. Here you have a petrol station and a shop. From Stavanger it is
about 90 minutes by car. You can also get to Sirdal by bus, departing from Stavanger via Sandnes
and Ålgård to Sinnes and the ski resorts in Sirdal. More information and timetables can be found at
http://www.sirdalsruta.no/index.html
Tjørhomfjellet is the first ski resort in Sirdal if you travel from Stavanger. There are possibilities for
alpine skiing (2 lifts), cross country skiing (one track to Ålsheia) and a special area for
snowboarding. There is also a free ski area for children, toboggan runs, a kiosk and a tipi tent
where kids can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a place to rent skis. Next to the chair lift is the ‘Ice
Palace’ a gathering point with hot food and drinks for sale after skiing in the afternoon and
evening. For more info: http://tjorhomfjellet.no
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Ålsheia is the largest ski resort in Sirdal with six lifts and a large amount of tracks for cross-country
skiing. It is also possible to go skiing in the evenings with several flood lit tracks to choose from.
There is also a large cafeteria, ski rental and a ski school; http://www.sinnesskiskole.no with
possibilities for private lessons. Two lifts are located behind the mountain at Nystøl. This is a
perfect location for families offering a sunny and peaceful area. For the youngest there is a free ski
area near the cafeteria. For more info: http://alsheia.no
Fidjeland is the ski resort 10 minutes further down the road from Sinnes. It offers possibilities for
alpine skiing (three lifts) and cross-country skiing. There is also a cafeteria and possibilities for ski
rental. Here you also have the option of staying overnight at Sirdal Høyfjellshotell;
http://hotel.as/english/. For more info: http://www.fidjeland.com
Ådneram is a ski resort 15 minutes further down the road from Sinnes. It has four ski lifts, three Tlifts and one rope lift free for children. There is a large café sells hot dogs, hamburgers and French
fries. It is a brilliant area to go with children. For more info: http://www.aadneram-skitrekk.no
Ski locations closer to Stavanger
If there is enough snow it is possible to go cross-country skiing or sledging closer to Stavanger then
the Sirdal area. This is great fun for the kids!
Melsheia is located 20 minutes by car from Stavanger. Follow E39 in the direction of Ålgård and
take the exit of Osli. There is a parking lot close to the Bråsteinvatnet. If there is snow, this is a
wonderful place for kids to play.
Brekko is located about 45 minutes by car from Stavanger. Follow E39 in the direction of Ålgård
and take the exit just after the turning of the 45 to Byrkjedal. This is a narrow road so be careful
for meeting traffic. It is better to go in the morning as the afternoon might leave you stuck in
traffic.
There is a recreational area with a parking lot, restrooms and a hut where you can enjoy your
lunch. On Sundays the café is open. This makes it a nice place for families to go and play in the
snow. When there’s enough snow a trail for cross-country skiing will be prepared. A part of it is
lighted, which makes it possible to go cross-country skiing in the evenings as well.
More information can be found at Jæren Friluftsråd: http://jarenfri.no/no/turomrader/brekko
Places to stay
Information on places to stay at the different ski resorts in Sirdal can be found at
http://www.sirdal.no/no/Overnatting
Last but not least
Two important rules for whenever you go skiing, no matter how close to civilization:
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Always make sure you have enough food and drinks with you for the day, in case the cafés
on the tracks are closed.
Always check the weather forecast (www.yr.no) before you go out to make sure you are
prepared for what is coming.
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Seasonal info
Christmas tradition in Norway
Christmas in Norway is celebrated by most Norwegians with a big dinner on Christmas Eve
following, or followed by, a Christmas service in one of the many churches around the country.
Please visit Stavanger International Church at www.sic.no, St. Svithun Catholic Church at
www.stavanger.katolsk.no or use the yellow pages or information Guide to find more options.
On Christmas Day, 25 December, most families have a big brunch at noon or dinner in the
afternoon. The dinner on Christmas Eve usually consists of pork or lamb ribs, or in some parts of
Norway, cod. Dinner is served with boiled potatoes, sausages, meat cakes and cranberries.
Traditionally, the meal is accompanied by Norwegian beer and aquavit.
Rice pudding is also part to the Christmas tradition in Norway. It can be served as Christmas lunch,
as a light dinner a day or two before Christmas, or as a dessert. One way or the other, it will make
its appearance over the holiday season. When served warm, it is often sprinkled with cinnamon
and sugar or served with an 'eye' of butter. The particular tradition associated with Christmas
pudding is to mix a single almond into it. This stems from the medieval tradition of hiding signs or
omens in food to foretell the future. According to this tradition, whoever finds the almond in his or
her bowl will have good fortune. The one who finds the almond wins a prize. This is commonly a
marzipan pig or chocolate. The almond may also decide who gets to open their presents first!
Children often have a hard time sitting through the meal, due to great anticipation of what awaits
after dinner, the opening of gifts and sometimes even a visit from the “Julenisse” (Santa Claus)
himself. Before the presents are opened, the families often dance in a ring around the Christmas
tree while singing traditional Norwegian Christmas carols.
Bear in mind that most shops and businesses remain closed from midday 24 December through 26
December.
Tips to keep the Christmas tree healthy
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Before you take the tree into your house, slam the trunk against the ground so that the
dead needles fall off.
Cut off a piece of the trunk and put the rest it in a bucket of water.
If possible, let the tree acclimatize in a medium cold room, for example in the basement,
before you put it into the warm living room.
Give the tree plenty of water as long as it is indoors.
Santa Lucia's Day
13 December is the first day of the Christmas celebration in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. It is
one of the few saint days observed in Scandinavia. It was not until after World War II that the
modern celebration of Lucia was imported to Norway from Sweden, and adopted on a larger scale.
It is yet again observed all over the country. Lucia is mostly observed in kindergartens and schools.
However, it has in recent years also been incorporated in the Advent liturgy in the Church of
Norway, where visitors can watch processions.
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Winter Solstice
December 21 is Winter Solstice. It can also be on December 22 depending on the year. In Norse
mythology it was customary to have a bonfire at each solstice (not only at summer solstice like
today) as a means to celebrate the sun and also to protect from evil. According to tradition all
kinds of evil powers would arise at the turning of the sun. The most important rule was that no
one should do work involving objects that turns such as spinning wheels, driving a horse and
carriage or grinding. It was thought that the moment the sun turned, water could turn into wine,
then vinegar and then return to water again. Brewing beer at solstice was not wise. If the evil
spirits got into the beer it would run out before Christmas.
Fire hazard
Be extra careful with fireplaces and candles. Most houses ending up in the sad statistics of the fire
department burn down exactly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve
Private use of fireworks is allowed on New Year’s Eve but regulations tightened in 2008 prohibiting
rocket typed fireworks with stabilizers (stick) and fireworks looking like toys. Public fireworks
displays take place at Hinna Park, the football pitch at Hundvåg fotball klubb, the Våland tower,
Møllebukta beach and Randaberg town center. You may purchase fireworks at larger
supermarkets like Coop Obs and Amfi Madla. Often they have separate booths and tents outside
the shops. Selling directly to consumers is only allowed between the 27th and 31st of December.
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Come Rain or Come Shine – by Alana Meehan
Make no mistake about it, the rainy season in Stavanger has begun. Not to mention the freeze your
under crackers off kinda cold, wind and rain mix, which I am absolutely sure is just about 3 seconds
away. Not that it bugs me. I am Canadian, hear me roar. Or at least only complain when we hit
month three of this kind of nonsense. Basically, as long as I see the sun from time to time and have
access to an unlimited supply of handbag size umbrellas, I am ok. This state of mind came to me
after spending three soggy, morose winters in the UK, which gave new meaning to the phrase, “I
could murder a cup of tea”. I had always wondered why the Brits were obsessed with that drink.
Norwegians seem to have a very similar outlook to mine. In
the 2 winters since I arrived here, I have seen it all: snow, ice,
rain, sleet, and hail. High winds and the calmest, stillest days
imaginable. And yet, I haven’t heard a single complaint.
Norwegians just seem to roll with the punches and have a
never-ending stream of activities (and clothing) for every type
of weather. I’ll admit I am slightly behind on this count, having
only purchased my first pair of wellies (rain boots to us North
Americans) last year. Up until that time my wardrobe
consisted of two main groups:
1)
2)
It’s hotter than Hades. Do I have to wear clothes?
It’s colder than the shady side of an iceberg. Do I have to go outside?
For Norwegians in Stavanger anyway, stuff gets done no matter what the weather report says, as
long as you have the right gear to do it in. This differing approach to Stavanger’s wild weather is
never more apparent than when you hear expats and Norwegians attempt to discuss it with each
other. Usually it goes a little like this:
Scene: Bright and early Monday morning, Joe the Expat and Josef the Norwegian enter the office.
- Josef the Norwegian: Good Morning, Joe. How was the weekend?
- Joe the Expat: Ugh, what week-end? I barely left the house. I think the rain was horizontal
yesterday! And the wind…
- Josef: Hahaha. Yes.
- Joe: What did you do, Josef?
- Josef: Oh, I went for 30-kilometre bike ride. It was a little wet, but it was actually fine once I got
going. I bought these amazing cycling pants…
I swear this was a real conversation. I am only starting to realize now that clothing is the key, and
one phrase remains in my mind. It was something that a Norwegian friend of mine told me to
remember as I approached my first winter in Stavanger. “There’s no bad weather, only bad
clothing”, she said, with one eyebrow raised and an air of mystery in her voice. I had absolutely no
idea what she was going on about at the time.
Two years later, I know these were words to live by. If I wait for the weather to warm up, calm
down, clear up and get sunnier, I‘ll probably end up watching every single movie on Netflix this
winter. So, instead, I will put on those wellies, and just get out there. Hit me with your best shot,
winter, I am covered.* * * Check out more of Alana Meehan’s posts on www.expatters.blogspot.no
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Global events in December
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Day of Restoration of Independence of Portugal (December 1)
Union Day of Romania (December 1)
World AIDS Day (December 1)
International Day of People with Disability (December 3)
National Day of United Arab Emirates (December 2)
Navy Day of India (December 4)
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands (December 5)
Father's Day (King's Birthday) in Thailand (December 5)
Independence Day in Finland (December 6)
Constitution Day in Spain (December 6)
Saint Nicholas Day in Greece and Switzerland (December 6)
Pearl Harbor Day in the United States (December 7)
Día de la Madre en Panamá (Mother's Day) in Panama. (December 8)
Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. (December 8)
Constitution Day in Romania. (December 8)
Nobel Prizes awarded (December 10) on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.
Human Rights Day (December 10)
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, or Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, in Mexico
(December 12)
Independence Day (Jamhuri Day) in Kenya (December 12)
Saint Lucy (December 13)
Bill of Rights Day (United States). (December 15)
Zamenhof Day (December 15)
National Day of Kingdom of Bahrain (December 16)
Victory day of Bangladesh (December 16)
Day of Reconciliation in South Africa (December 16).
Hannukah (December 20 in 2011)
Yaldā (the birth of Mithra), in Iran (December 21)
Solstice (called the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer
solstice in the Southern Hemisphere) occurs on dates varying from December 20 to
December 22 (in UTC). See also Yule
Mother's Day in Indonesia (December 22)
The Emperor's Birthday, a national holiday in Japan (December 23)
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Christmas (December 25)
Boxing Day (December 26)
Day of Goodwill (December 26)
Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1)
Independence Day in Slovenia - Independence and Unity Day, (December 26)
Proclamation Day in South Australia (December 28)
Philippines – Rizal Day (December 30)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
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INN Expats events
in December
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Meeting Techniques in Norway
Norwegian Conversation Group
Christmas Market in Egersund
Coffee & Topic
Much more on
www.rosenkilden.com
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