Mark & The Norwegians

Well, here we are in Norway . . . with no snow on the ground . . . at least where we are by the sea. But I am assured there is much snow elsewhere throughout the country. I actually saw quite a bit of it on a spectacularly clear day when I visited a Norwegian military base in Rena northeast of Oslo a couple of weeks ago . . . so I know it's out there.

We are blessed though. Blessed with plenty, blessed with health, blessed with a family of unique personalities, blessed with God's bounteous nature on every side when we take the time to look around us.

Everyone in our household (even the obnoxio-hound) seems content with a peaceful and full Christmas. The loot was plentiful, but not all-consuming. We have reached that point in life with our kids where it is far less about the "stuff" and far more about the fun of watching each other open the various gifts.

We woke rather later than usual--I think the last one staggered down the stairs at about 10:00 (I won't reveal who that might've been), opened stockings, ate some of the famous "monkey bread" Elizabeth had prepared, then began a leisurely Christmas morning of reveling in relaxed present opening. Once the dust had cleared, we agreed (or I mandated) we would continue our Christmas tradition of getting out into nature. This year I opted for the sea-shore as the day was pretty overcast and drizzly.

We know for sure the dog enjoyed romping on the sand chasing seagulls, and I think the kids had a passable time. Lots of other Norwegians on the beach as well. I believe they (Norwegians) are more likely to be out/about in nature on Christmas day than we Americans. Last Christmas we saw quite a few on our hike--some even doing that trail-running thing where they jog up and down the mountains. In Norway, the stores close at lunch on Christmas Eve--their celebration of Christmas begins Christmas Eve and carries into the next morning, but I think their biggest part of Christmas is actually the Christmas Eve with a family dinner, etc. I think they may even do gifts on the Eve, but not sure.

It is always interesting to see what tickles someone's heart in terms of Christmas gifts. Just mentioning those gifts given by our immediate family so that we don't cheapen the thank you cards that will surely follow. For Samuel, the hit was undoubtedly the horn Mom got him in Prague (very authentic cow horn with a carrying chain that goes very well with the rest of Sammie J's various warrior outfits). For Timothy (somewhat predictably I suppose) various DVD's of his favorite show, Stargate, and a computer game were well-received. Though a large mug his Mom got him in Prague, and a pair of gloves to replace his Orc-stolen glove were also popular. Rebecca enjoyed the bread baking book I got her, but looked askance at the jacket her Mom got her (she suffers from "jacket-o-phobia" as par of her overall aversion to clothes shopping). Elizabeth would've been happy with the humorous punctuation book I got her, but had many other "interesting" gifts as well, such as the mysterious church plate (similar to the famous Volksmarching plate that travels between my brother's family and mine), and the remarkable candle holder, but more on them on a later post. I was overjoyed to get a new GPS to better plan more torment (hikes) for the family.

Enough on the loot. We had our Sunday service at church, which was actually remarkably well attended given that many in the congregation are traveling. We also had a short candlelight service on Christmas Eve. But this year we passed on the "lessons & carols" service in the Stavanger Cathedral. Last year we went, and it was packed. Anglican service in English with 600-800 attending. Carols were beautiful, but I had a view of the pillar. Apparently one should get there about an hour ahead. We will probably go next year again, as it is beautiful, but this year we opted for a more quiet, family experience.

Our hearts go out to all of our extended family this Christmas. We wish you the very best as 2008 comes. You should receive our Christmas letter shortly to catch up with our lives here in Norway. Lots of love, Mark.