Some people have said that Christmas is the new religion in Norway. Norwegians love Christmas and spend months preparing for it. It has been a part of our culture for so long and has roots back to the vikings. We call Christmas "Jul" and it has always been a time for celebrating and feasting at the darkest time of the year.
We even have our own version Santa Clause - whom we call "Nisse". Our "Nisse" and Santa Clause has merged into the same person, but originally a Nisse was a forest creature that attached themselves to a family and lived in their stable or attic. If you were good to the Nisse and gave him porridge at Christmas, they took care of the family pets and animals. They were mischievous and if you didn't give them their treats, they would steal your happiness, and give you lots of misfortune.
They look like a mix between a garden gnome and Santa clause. The nisse is still so ingrained in our culture, and a family member usually dress up as one, and deliver gifts for the children at Christmas.
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