Christmas is the time for traditions, both older ones and newer ones, both ancient and Christian. The look of the trimmed Christmas tree, the smell of gingerbread and "gløgg", candlelightes and presents and, of course, the appearance of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, or "Julenissen", as he is called in Norway - all these are elements of "jul", the Norwegian Christmas celebration.

We have had a long tradition of Christmas markets in the Oslo Region. A great variety of markets - from the cosy old fashioned ones to the modern designer markets - are open for visitors in december every year.

In old times, people in Norway believed that the first owner of a farm lived forever. He was called "haugbonde" or "nisse". At winter solstice, as well as on other important occasions around the year, it was very important not to forget "Nissen" during the celebration. Food was served to him, and presents were given to him, too, so that he would continue to protect the home of the people.

Christian stories of course tell us about St. Nicolaus, the bishop of Myra, the man who sold all his personal goods and even the silver of his church in order to help his people. And who is not familiar with the story of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the new born Holy Child in Bethlehem?