A New Land, a New Life, New Traditions
December 26, 2025
Christmas used to always catch me a bit off guard. But since we've been living here in Denmark, everything has changed. Especially here, way up in the north, Christmas is celebrated with a passion and warmth that you simply have to experience. The festive season starts as early as November. Houses are decorated inside and out, strings of lights brighten the long dark evenings, and suddenly there's this special magic in the air. Two months of Christmas spirit—for us, a real gift. In the evenings, when darkness falls early and lights twinkle everywhere, the world feels enchanted.
Michael works as a vicar in our local parishes until December 31st, and starting January 1st, he'll take on his own position at a church. That's changed our holidays too. Christmas feels more intense here, more festive, and special in a whole new way.
By December 23rd, I'd completed all my preparations for Christmas Eve in the afternoon. That feeling when everything is ready is simply priceless. Peace, anticipation, joy.
On December 24th, we started the day with our legendary Christmas breakfast—the "Christmas bread" that I've been baking since last year. A cinnamon yeast cake, almost like brioche, that gets cut into pieces and baked in an egg-milk mixture. This delicacy only appears at Christmas, though for us it lasts through all three celebration days, because for two people such a cake is really quite generous, but simply heavenly. After breakfast, Michael had to head straight to church for the first Christmas service.
Meanwhile, I had prepared everything so the day could continue stress-free and full of enjoyment. After the service, we enjoyed together a wonderful lobster soup—tender, aromatic, a perfect start to the rest of the festive day.
Then it was back to church for the second holiday service. Michael played, accompanied by a trumpeter, and our pastor gave such a beautiful sermon, especially speaking so clearly that we could understand every word. Though I must confess, it's easier when you've truly understood a few words and can then better piece together the rest. But that's changed over the past 12 months too.
You really do understand so much more! The church was festively decorated and filled to the last seat, just like in the morning. The wife of trumpeter Knud and I were fortunate to have reserved seats. But even the choirmaster's chair was claimed by a visitor, and the extra chairs brought in were quickly filled.
There were so many visitors that even the church portal remained open for the duration of the service.
At home, the feast awaited us. First came smoked salmon with various dips, a gift from my employer. I must confess, I've never eaten such good salmon. It comes from the only salmon farm in Skagen, tender, aromatic, and simply perfect. Next was a large, refreshing salad platter before we turned our attention to veal breast with sides and a wonderful sauce.
Then came the time for true Christmas coziness. Candlelight, warm blankets, soft music, the winter darkness outside and the glow of lights in the house—all together create a feeling of comfort and warmth that you only experience in this season. Around 7 p.m., I served the famous Danish Risalamande, the traditional almond-rice dessert. Here, the cook truly holds a bit of power over fate, because whoever finds the almond gets a little extra gift, and one could say I held the destiny of that almond firmly in my hand—of course with a quiet wink.
Freshly reinvigorated, we made our way to Hulsig, where a new tradition was being launched. Over 100 guests—locals and visitors—gathered around the Christmas tree, dancing and singing together. The atmosphere was simply magical. Together with my dear friend and colleague and her family, we spent another beautiful hour full of joy, laughter, and a genuine sense of community.
Can Christmas be any cozier, more festive, and more heartfelt? Hard to imagine. Here, in this northern corner of Denmark, we've found not only a new home but also new traditions, new joy, and a completely new Christmas spirit.
