Viking Magazine - Nov/Dec 2023 - 16

Relax into
BY EMMA ENEBAK
orwegians look forward to
December 26 almost as much
as they do Christmas Eve, as it
signals the beginning of Romjul.
Learn why the stretch of days
between Christmas and New Year's
is a cherished time for Norwegians.
Imagine it is December 26. Ribbons,
bows, wrapping paper and glitter are
strewn across the fl oor. The smell of
gingerbread wafts from the kitchen to
the living room, which is lit by the glow
of the Christmas tree. Outside, the
world is white with December snowfall.
It is offi cially Romjul in Norway-the
best time of the year.
The name Romjul refers to that lazy,
delightful stretch between Christmas
and New Year's, when the world seems
to collectively move a little slower.
In a sense, everybody has their own
form of Romjul, but Norwegians have
turned this string of laid-back days
sandwiched between two holidays
into a holiday all its own. The term
Romjul is made up of a combination
of two Norwegian words-rom which
means room or space, and Jul meaning
Christmas. Put simply, Romjul is the
space after Christmas and before the
new year, but the word has come to
take on a transcendent defi nition
implying rest, relaxation and refl ection.
Having this " space " or time after
Christmas to reset is very important to
Norwegians. For them, it is an open,
unburdened space to spend time with
family and loved ones, to play board
games by the fi re, try new crafts, go
for long walks and take a moment to
refl ect on the past year. When it hits
December 26 this year, grab your
family and friends to try a few of these
traditional Romjul activities, which
will not only help you relax and slow
down, but align you with the serenely
joyful mindset of Romjul.
16
Nov/Dec 2023
Embrace
The Norwegian term friluftsliv translates to " open-air life, " and is
the philosophy of a life enjoyed outdoors. Those who fully embrace
friluftsliv commit to spending time outside, regardless of their age and
physical condition or the weather and season. Similar to Romjul itself,
friluftsliv is about recharging and departing from the chaos of everyday
life, tapping into Norway's longstanding connection between its people
and its gorgeous outdoor landscapes.
This Romjul, get outside! Take up cross-country skiing to feel the
wind on your face and appreciate long stretches of outdoor landscape,
or for a winter alternative to hiking, strap on a pair of snowshoes to
tread over the powdery white hills. If you're feeling adventurous, try
your hand at skijoring (or " ski driving " ), a thrilling Nordic-inspired
sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog or a
motorized vehicle-if there is any time to learn, it is during Romjul!
For a more relaxed approach to friluftsliv, consider strolling through
an outdoor winter market, an honored holiday tradition in Norway.
Wander through the twinkling lights to engage with local makers and
pick up some traditional Scandinavian treats, including serinakaker
(butter cookies) and sirupssnipper (syrup snaps).
sonsofnorway.com
LETTERING AND ILLUSTRATIONS ADOBE/ZARIPOV ANDREI
http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - Nov/Dec 2023

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