The snow has taken a break and the town was able to get on with the important things in life like making gingerbread men. The Christmas preparation period is in full swing in the week before advent kicks off. Kitchens all over the village were filled with the essential incredients of flour, ginger and plenty of syrup and sugar. In some families the baking of gingerbread men is done in combination with the constuction of the kids advent calenders. From December 1, children of Øksfjord can open a small gift everyday in the lead up to the glut of presents they will receive on Christmas Eve. The daily suprises can range from chocolates to money to toys to gingerbread cookies.
The idea of such a massive lead up to Christmas has to do with darkness that engulfs the northern parts during this time of year. The extravagant lighting along verandahs and inside the cosy homes, helps to raise the spirits in a difficult time for many. The tiredness is widespread as the sun has now dipped the horizon, not to return until the start of February. The difficulty in waking up for work can be likened to being held prisoner in a Mexican jail, while being forced to listen to the very best of Justin Beiber volumes one and two and a Sarah Palin policy speech.
After the initial crawling up the stairs to pour a large amount of caffine down the throat, the day progresses quite well until around 2pm where the sudden wall of exhaustion bears down upon the working public. Dinner is an early affair in northern Norway at between 4 and 5pm and probably just as well as the new injection of energy is well received. Afternoon activities include judo, football, yoga, aerobics, swimming, arts and craft and choir practice. A common annoyance is resurgence of alertness and energy when we should really be thinking about bedtime. This ensures the continuation of the dreaded cycle tomorrow.
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Hey there, are you still living in Øxfjord? I am asking cause I plan to visit this small place on earth second half of June this year.
ReplyDeleteHi Luke,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Natalie Sullivan and I'm casting an international travel show about expats moving abroad. We'd love to film in Norway and wanted to know if you could help us find expats who have moved there within the last 15 months or have been there for 3-4 years, but recently moved into a new home. The show documents their move to a new country and will place the country in fabulous light. The expats on the show would also receive monetary compensation if they are filmed. They must also speak English fluently and can be buyers or renters for their homes. If you'd like more information, please give me a call at 212-231-7717 or skype me at natalieesullivan. You can also email me at nataliesullivan@leopardusa.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.