Christmas in the old days in Sortland and Øksnes -

12 December 2024

A group of children meet the barn gnome outside an old red farmhouse (Alsvåggården)

The holidays are approaching, and thus Sortland Museum and Øksnes Museum have just completed their annual round of Advent visits. School starters and 1st graders in both municipalities were invited to a cozy pre-holiday program centered around old-fashioned holiday traditions.

Ingeborg from Sortland Museum demonstrates how to make a Christmas link and basket.

Why do we make so many cakes for Christmas, and how did they make it before modern technology? Why do we walk around a juniper bush and not a spruce? Do today’s children know what it means to go carolling (norwegian: julebukk)? Last but not least: What is the resemblance between an elf on the shelf and a barn gnome?

In the past, it was also expected that you made new clothes for Christmas. Therefore the children learned about the entire process from the wool is on the sheep until it becomes a brand new sweater, and demonstrated curing of wool. There may not be as many people who make their own clothes anymore, but several of the children could report that they also get home-knitted garments from time to time.

Then the children made their own Christmas decorations based on old traditions, namely the classic Christmas link, and simple baskets to hang on the tree. Maybe they also got some glimpses of the enigmatic and shy barn gnome…

The barn gnome doesn’t always hand out presents. But he might if he’s in a particularily good mood.

This year, orange and apple slices were dried in advance, old-fashioned “raisin garlands” were made and traditional crumb cakes (krumkaker) baked – in addition, various Christmas spices had been acquired for the children to smell. After all, an important part of the holidays is good scents and tasty cakes!

Orange with cloves – a classic advent calendar.

Crumb cakes require a not insignificant amount of butter…

The program was carried out from 19.11 to 11.12, and in that time as many as 170 children have visited one of the museums!

“Christmas in the Old Days” has long roots in Øksnes and in Bø, where it has been carried out in various forms. Some parts remain, while others have been changed when new employees have stepped in. 2022 is the first year “Christmas in the Old Days” has been carried out in Sortland, due to a deeper collaboration between Øksnes and Sortland museum.

Wishing everyone a cozy and peaceful pre-holiday time!