December 23

The tree is up and decorated. So now we just count the days.

December 22

It's a tradition for us to take a drive before Christmas to look at Christmas lights. This year we came upon this house where a father and son has set up a fantastic show. It is unusual in a Danish context. They have build the computer controlling the lights from scratch as well as the FM transmitter sending the music to the radio.

You can see a video of the show here.

December 21

3 days until Christmas and I managed to fulfill a year old promise to the children - ice skating downtown. It was a first for all kids. Rita was magnificent. She had hardly got the skates on before she was flying about. The boys were quick learners too. I could certainly feel, it was ages since I had had skates on. I believe it was as a sophomore in Waukesha. I managed and fell only once.

December 20

We had one big concern: "Will it fit?" There is nothing as frustrating as a tree that does not touch the ceiling when you come home.

December 19

One of the more peculiar finds I stumpled over the other day - snail caviar. Ellen has already declared it is not an item for Christmas dinner. But what about New Years.

Further description is here:http://www.caviar-escargot.com/en/caviar-escargot.html

December 18

Serious business. Axel found a webpage where we could view videos of the fireworks we can buy for New Years Eve. This is an important task that takes a lot of deliberation and planning.

December 17

Now we are done with all the Christmas preparations except for getting the Christmas tree. Merete and her two girls came over to make marcipan and chocolates. Yummy!

December 16

Christmas concert in Rita's music class

December 15

"Klejner" is Erik's favorite Christmas cookie. It is also the most laborintensive cookie. The dough is very tough and sticky (it contains a lot of eggs). It has to be rolled out paper thin. We usually say you have to be able to read a newspaper through it. Then it is cut and braided. Finally, it's deep fried in palm oil. As mentioned it is laborsome and time consuming. I had hoped we could talk Erik out it this year, but he was persistent. So we took time yesterday to make a bunch. And they are good. Crisp, crunchy and sweet. Yummy.

December 14

It's hard to make a daily update. Nonetheless, this is a Christmas calendar so here it comes. The post for yesterday, that is.

I was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday and it was not because of the drink we served Saturday.

While in Malaysia I went to a grocery store and bought a few special items although only items labels in English. Adventure has it limits :-)

Some of our relatives with closer relations to Asia might have heard of this drink. To us it was all new. It looked like cola except for the sediment! The taste was a bit like diluted molasses - with lumps - which I assume was grass. I'm proud to say all kids gave it a try. But cola is preferred to the grass jelly...

December 13

The Christmas lunch is a age old Danish tradition. It's kind of a party which often takes place at work. We have always had our own Christmas lunch at home. We keep strictly to tradition. So we start with a variety of fish - pickled herring, fried plaice, caviar and eggs. Then comes lunch meat, pate, meatballs - all the meat. And in the end cheeses.

Erik made this sandwich of liver pate, bacon, pickled beet and raw onion. An uncommon combination to the Danish palate. Perhaps it is his American genes playing in. But as a teenager a bit of unorthodoxy is allowed and although he looks sceptical he loved it.

December 12

Noodles for breakfast! Axel couldn't wait to enjoy his calendar gift. For once he was the first out of bed and ready to set the table.

December 11

Rita fell at gym class and bruised her ancle. Rita and I took a day out of school to rest the leg. So we took time to bake sugar cookies.

December 10

Bourbon balls! Ellen made a double recipe but something happened on the way. The cookie jar just didn't seem to get filled.

December 9

Rita thought she had to practice her flute. There probably was too much noise in the living room so she took her notes to the kitchen where she practiced "Jingle bells". We are getting more and more ready for Christmas.

December 8

I can't remember we've ever had a mistletoe hanging in the house. However, Axel really thought we should have one this year may be it's associated with all the girls he's befriended :-). Axel just loves getting "caught" under the branch with a big hug.

December 7

Is this St. Nick?

December 6

St. Nick found his way to Smørum. Ellen had been a bit worried because we had put up the socks before December may be St. Nick
would have become confused. But he did come and brought with him all sorts weird stuff: Chips with bbq ribs flavor, India pale ale, cookies, mackerel in curry sauce, honey and chili chutney and strange fruits like the one Erik's showing. We have no idea what it is. Any suggestions?

December 5

A short clip of Rita's class singing a Christmas song which their teacher, Lars, had made.

December 4

Axel had in home economics learned how to make creme filled rolls. And now he wanted to try it at home. He and Rita went at it alone right after school yesterday. I tell yea, the rolls were very good but both livingrom and kitchen were covered with flour, spillings of creme and what not. But who's to complain when they had this much fun.