Some of my sweetest memories go back to when I was a young girl and our Christmas Eves were spent at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. What still stands out in my mind is the Christmas tree with real candles burning on it. They didn’t have electricity.
The evening began about four o’clock when we heard the church bells ringing. Grandma put on a delicious supper that included ribbe, lefse, flatbrod, and all her Christmas bakings. But no lutefisk! We then went into the parlor and the candles on the tree were lit.
Grandpa sat by the tree with a pail of water as he guarded the lighted Christmas tree. He read the Christmas story and we all sang Christmas carols. Then Grandpa and Grandma sang some of their favorite Christmas songs in Norwegian. We all tried to join in on “Jeg er saa glad” (I am so glad each Christmas Eve). After this the gifts were distributed. Now I can’t remember any of the gifts I received those years. I only remember the great joy in our hearts and the specialness of those Christmas nights.
By Doris Stensland