December 23rd 2018
Today is Lille Jul Aften in Norway, literal translation, Little Christmas Eve. In our house, as I am sure in many, today the real excitement build up begins, we can say tomorrow is Christmas Eve and the festivities begin. Little Christmas Eve is all about the last minute preparations, coming together from afar and beginning to start celebrating.
Traditionally in Norway this was the day the house had it's final clean before all the last guests arrived and in the evening when the house was prepared the freshly cut tree from the woods would be brought in and decorated ready for the following day and the Christmas songs sung by all holding hands and dancing around the tree. I remember many years ago a male friend of mine was somewhat embarrassed at having to sing and dance around the tree with us and he was heard to say, 'What goes around the tree in Norway, stays around the tree in Norway', meaning please do not tell my friends back home that I have been a part of this. Me, I love traditions.
This year we have decided to have a family day out and see the lights of London. A day trip, just full of enjoyment. Do you have plans for today?
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| Carnaby Street, just by Liberty, my favourite department store |
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| Just off Carnaby Street, Lille Jul Aften |
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| Oxford Street, Lille Jul Aften |
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| China Town, Lille Jul Aften |
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| Covent Garden, Lille Jul Aften |
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A quick stop to Harrods at Christmas is always a treat,
ook at these marzipan sweets, a bit more professional than ours! |
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| Marylebone High Street on Lille Jul Aften |
♥ Happy Lille Jul Aften ♥
It looks like a wonderful way to celebrate. As for me wrapping was in store today I am almost finished! Have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteI love wrapping and prior to children spent so much time on it, now it is a bit of a rushed affair I am ashamed to say! Two more left for me to wrap. Have a wonderful Christmas Meredith xxx
DeleteSeems you had a nice Lillejulaften Selma- I have finally decorated the kitchen and livingroom so have had a bussy day, like in the old days. Also watched "Kvelden før kvelden" on TV, another tradition here in Norway
ReplyDeleteooh yes very traditional programme for today, I nearly mentioned that in the post! Love you mamma x
DeleteWhen was a kid we always hopped in the car for a drive around to see all the Christmas lights. Fond memories. I love seeing any place all decked out for the season. Twinkly lights make everything merrier. Here today and tomorrow are regular work days for my husband. My boys aren't coming so it's quiet around here. Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about twinkly lights making everything brighter and merrier. Hope your quiet Christmas was full of love and joy x
DeleteWonderful x
ReplyDeleteLove me some lights Karen x
DeleteIt's always so exciting for me, looking at your photos! I never made it into London (except going through on the train or bus), but Carnaby Street was a big name for us back in the '60s and '70s. We even had a shop by that name in Victoria through the '70s. So it was great fun to see your photo. I loved the angel, too, and all the lights. Lights make all the difference in this darker part of the year, I think.
ReplyDeleteLove and Light to you, Selma. ~ Linne
Yes Carnaby Street was synonymous with the swinging '60s and '70s. Love to you Linne
DeleteThey really do Christmas well Dee. Hope you have had a great Christmas x
ReplyDelete