Glædelig Jul

The days are short and the nights are long, its at this time of year that Scandinavia asserts itself. Snow has fallen and the land is covered in the quiet white blanket which turns the night upside down. There is magic in the air, but you have to want to see it, like all belief, its only real if you want it to be. Trolls might march across the star spun sky and if you look for him you might see an old man with one eye walking through the night, followed by two ravens. Its good to be Scandinavian, to feel the past, to live in the land of so many generations, its inspiring and not some badge of shame wrought by dreams of superiority. We are what we are and that ought to be good enough else we might as well curse the world for giving us life.

Today is the day we celebrate Jul in Denmark, the original holiday which was annexed by Christianity but which has since become a festival of gluttony and greed, or at least that seems to be the official perception peddled by people who dislike the whole affair.

The truth as I see it is much closer to home. Jul is about family and family is about life. The food and presents are just the trappings to give it a sense of occaision, and a good excuse for every one in the family to make the children happy. Adults giving each other gifts can be fun too, but nothing beats the squeals of young delight which follow the unwrapping of a desired toy. Knowing that your life has meaning and seeing it manifest in your children. Nothing is better.

The music choice might seem odd, but its the beauty of the piece that moves me.

Glædelig Jul, Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to all my friends online!

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