Christmas in Denmark

I apologize for finally getting around to posting all of these pictures! My routine has been so messed up lately. It all started about a week before Christmas. Hans was kind enough to share his cold with me. Instead of hanging around for a few days like his, mine stuck around for almost 2 weeks. Unlike his, my cold came with a fever, chills, and a headache that stuck around for a week. I did get better, just in time to bake 18 loaves of 3 different kinds of bread to give as gifts.

I made Spanish Crusty Bread, Whole Wheat Rosemary and Olive Oil Bread, and Cinnamon Raisin Bread, which I completely forgot to take a picture of!

After the 11 hours of marathon baking were over, I wrapped them up.

The next day, I was in charge of making turkey and dressing for Christmas dinner. I used my Grandma's recipe for dressing, and invented my own for the turkey. Sadly, I only got some before shots of the turkey, and none of the dressing.

I thawed the bird, brined it, and then roasted it to perfection. I have to say, this was the best turkey I've ever eaten in my entire life...and the dressing was just like I remember it!

We went over to my in-law's for Christmas Eve (Juleaften). We had more than enough to eat and drink, and there was dessert. 

Danes traditionally eat Risengrød (Rice Pudding) on Christmas. Most everyone plays for the mandelgave (almond gift). The rice pudding is served cold, with chopped almonds and one single whole almond buried inside. Whoever finds the whole almond wins the gift. The finder of the almond typically waits to reveal it until all the pudding has been served. (Many have 2-3 helpings in order to find the almond.)

We sang songs and danced around the tree.

Then it was time to open all the gifts! The kids had been chomping at the bits all evening to open gifts. When it was finally time they ran to the tree...well actually, they were already at the tree. Each would grab a gift and go to the nearest adult and ask, "Er det til mig?" ("Is it to me?")

I think Laura loved the Hello Kitty sovepose (sleeping bag) we got her. She was ready to crawl in and sleep, or at least pretend to.

I received several gifts, a lot of Tupperware, a few books (in English), a scarf, money to go towards getting my Danish Driver's License, a table cloth/runner, and the embroidered kitchen towel below.

A couple of evenings later we drove to the summer house, where Jens, Mathilde, and their kids were staying. Mathilde made a Mexican feast, while Hans, Jens, Jonas, and I took a walk on the beach.

Did I mention it was a VERY cold walk on the beach?

Wednesday (the 28th), we drove to Hjerm for Christmas with Hans' morfar (mother's father). He rented a sports hall for the whole family (there are about 64 of us total). We ate, and ate some more, and even more! We played games upon games. I attempted to kick Hans' butt in badminton, but that backfired. 

Then Thursday came along, and Hans and I woke up sick to our stomachs. We spent the morning throwing up, and the rest of the day sleeping, thanks to Phenergan. After sleeping 6 hours that night, I was awake for about 3 hours before sleeping an additional 17 hours. I finally woke up about 6:45 on Friday morning. My body hurt, but my stomach did not. My brain was on crazy-active mode, but it took me about 10 minute just to sit up and get out of bed. I was weak and walking was hard, but by the end of the day, the only body parts still sore were my badminton arm, and my ribs. 

That's our big Christmas adventure, I'll be back tomorrow to share New Year's Eve in Denmark. 

What did y'all do for the holidays?