NOVEMBER 2009 VOL. 106 NO. 11 MAGAZINE FOR THE MEMBERS OF SONS OF NORWAY ŔŒ FEATURES 10 Good Gifts for a God Jul Our picks for the year's best books, kitchen gadgets and stocking stuffers 14 Ski for Light, Ski for Life Inside a race where the relationships are as strong as the competitors 20 Enter the Dragon The enduring symbolism of dragons in Norwegian design œŒ DEPARTMENTS 6 Velkommen Engaged lodges are up to the challenge 7 Letters from Readers 8 Nordic Lites 26 Member Matters Viking's quarterly member section includes success stories, news and helpful tips 34 Family Finance Smart strategies for the retirement you deserve 36 District Happenings 44 Loving Memory 46 Q & A Former Congressman Martin Sabo œŖ The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic counTRIES AND PROVIDE QUALITY INSURANCE AND lNANCIAL PRODUCTS TO ITS MEMBERS s 3ONS OF .ORWAYS misjon er å fremme og ivareta norske kulturtradisjoner, å feire vårt forhold til andre nordiske land og samtidig tilby de beste forsikrings- og finansprodukter til våre medlemmer. [ ON THE COVER 'Tis the season to ramp up holiday cheer and excitement. Turn to page 10 for unique, cost-conscious Nordic gift ideas.