Monday, June 18, 2012

Movie/Baking Day


Since Christmas parties had been going on for roughly two months, the kitchen felt it was really time to get into the true holiday spirit by decorating the hall and baking cookies. There were several traditional Danish Christmas decorations to display including paper chains, insanely intricate stars, and these neat woven hearts that hold candy and I actually happened to make in elementary school. Who knew they were Danish?! Another exciting tidbit about Danish Christmas is that they light candles, set them ON their real Christmas tree and then dance around the tree singing songs. Sounds like they’re asking for a fire to me, but supposedly it’s a grand time.
The set up
Back to our crafts/baking day. Although people were busy studying, everyone made enough time to come help with the decorations, make a clove filled orange, enjoy some holiday tea, or steal some scrumptious sweets. Deb made some awesome cupcakes with her “imported” canned pumpkin, Marie whipped up her famous hazelnut and chocolate chip cookies and I worked on the go-to jelly “thumbprint” cookies. We easily made enough to feed at least three kitchens full of people.
Delish
Marie and I
Another exciting event of the day was Marie decorating her first ever gingerbread house. Topped with colorful candy and homemade icing/glue, it was a beautiful sight! And the whole table was lit up by Pernille’s elegant calendar candle that she trimmed with real greenery and little rope dolls. To top off the day, we all snuggled up in our common room to watch Love Actually, one of the best Christmas movies ever made, while enjoying our snacks and homemade apple cider.
Work of art
The traditional calendar candle that burns every day leading up to Christmas
It seems that Denmark was made for Christmas. The cold, somewhat dark weather just forces people to come together and enjoy these extremely hyggeligt experiences. Since there's not too much else to do outside it’s a great excuse to spend quality time with your friends. 

Oh yeah. And that night I cooked several chickens for common dinner.