VOL. 109 NO. 12 Features 10 l The Nisse Dec 10 21 16 Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (left) with Norwegian Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjørn Jagland. Enduring symbol of Norwegian folklore 16 l Gliding Through Norway Plan a Nordic skiing getaway 21 l Agent of Peace Norway works for peace in troubled regions around the globe Departments 4 l Velkommen Holiday traditions, lasting memories 5 l Your Letters 7 l Nordic Life 26 l Finance Year-end fi nancial strategies 28 l District Happenings 36 l In Loving Memory 38 l Q & A Norwegian actor Kristofer Hivju 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 fi nancial products to our members. * Sons of Norways misjon er å fremme og ivareta norske kulturtradisjoner, å feire vårt forhold til andre nordiske land og samtidig tilby de beste forsikrings- og fi nansprodukter til våre medlemmer. Cover photography by Per Breiehagen 2012