Celebrating Christmas with the Happiest People in the world!

Christmas in Denmark is the time of light, in a long and dark winter. It is often closely related with candles, light chains, warm Gløgg, æbleskiver and excessive ‘hygge’.

According to the UN, Danes are the happiest people in the World. How can this be, when winters are cold and dark, many with snow and frost? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32FI1rMdqZY)

Hygge (pronounced somewhat like Hooge) is a term Danes use whenever they do things that are cozy, but it can also be described as a feeling of comfort. This could be lying in front of a warm fireplace, going for a stroll at the Christmas Markets or simply having a well prepared dinner with family and friends. Hygge is a very broad term, and doesn’t really translate properly in to English; you simply have to experience it to feel it.

Starting off a Christmas fairytale in Denmark, you need to begin by seeing the world famous Christmas Market in Tivoli, eating caramelized almonds and apples whilst looking at all the Christmas lights, novelties, greeting Father Christmas and trying the amusements. The Elves (Nisser) are hiding all over Tivoli, so be careful they don’t steal your almonds or drink your warm cocoa! Legends say they are very playful, and steal your candy and rice pudding (Risengrød) at night. (Tivoli.dk/en/)

A visit to Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid, from the fairytale of Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen, is a must do on your list. Even though it is busy with tourists all year round, the atmosphere is so down to earth that you feel the ease of older days flush over you as you take in the scenery of the old picturesque buildings and sea views. Continue your stroll to Amalienborg Castle to visit Her Royal Majesty, Queen of Denmark Margrethe II, or, as the Danes call her, Daisy. The nickname Daisy arose from the daisy floral decorated jewellery made by designer George Jensen in 1940, to celebrate the birth of Denmark’s new princess Margrethe. (kongehuset.dk/english)

Strolling down the shopping area, Strøget, you get the chance to try different novelty foods such as Æbleskiver and warm Gløgg from the numerous stalls.

Shopping for Christmas presents in this area of the city is a treat, so indulge yourself in Magasin Du Nord or pop by George Jensen, Malene Birger, B&O, Bodum, Royal Copenhagen and several other different Scandinavian and Danish design classics.

(stroget-kobenhavn.dk/language/en.html)

For a world renowned dinner book your table at the Noma restaurant, located at Nordatlantens Brygge. Noma was announced ´Worlds Best Restaurant’ by the British ‘Restaurant Magazines’ in 2010, 11 and 12. The kitchen is based on the Nordic Kitchen and a reinterpretation of it. (noma.dk)

For a day of art, Louisiana Museum of Contemporary Art is worth a visit. With constantly changing exhibitions, there is always an excuse to visit. Summer of 2013 has been dedicated to the works of Yoko Ono. This fall and winter the Antarctic is the focus alongside the work of Asger Jorn and Jackson Pollock. (louisiana.dk/dk/Service+Menu+Right/English)

The highlight of the perfect Christmas Holiday is on the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, for both young and old. All over the Kingdom, time stands still for the night of Jesus’ birth. The day starts off with a breakfast consisting of rundstykker, meats, cheeses, coffee, warm cocoa and of course Danish pastries. You haven’t tried a perfect Danish unless you’ve had it in Denmark! This day is all about food, so by now you’ve just started!

The Christmas lunch is called ‘the Cold Table’.

Here you have different types of Herring, paté and salads served on ryebread (rugbrød)  and complimented with the Danish novelty drink, Snaps.

Throughout the day families, neighbours and friends meet up for hygge, playing games in front of the fireplace, watching Christmas movies, reading stories, decorating the Christmas tree and preparing for the Christmas dinner.

After indulging yourself in stuffed duck, meatballs, roast pork, caramelized potatoes, beetroots and gravy, you enjoy a dessert of Ris a la Mande, before the grand finale starts.

Joining in a circle, everyone holds hands around the Christmas Tree. Dancing and singing Christmas carols, you celebrate the magical night, often accompanied by laughs and giggles from the children, as you end up dancing through the house carolling that Christmas will last until Easter. Gifts are unwrapped and smiles spread around the tree. Thank you’s are given and by now you will feel and understand, that hygge is all around.

This is a glimpse of why, Danish people are the happiest in the World.

So do you want to go see for yourself?

Authors: Lena Nielsen and Emilie Ozols