Hej Kelly, Heidi and Sandy,

In my Danish World, there are actually only 3 days to Dec. 24th.  I do not mind also celebrating the Canadian one, on December 25th. 
 
In my tradition, it has to be a Noble Fir, and we walked ours home today. Shall do a bit of trimming today, and most likely complete decorating at some point. I brought a lot of decorations with me from Denmark; some would be from the late 1800s/ early 1900s. Have added since. Why must it be a Noble Fir?  Because the branches are sturdy with good spacing.  This is a requirement, as we put around 30 live candles on it:  50% red + 50% white = Canadian and Danish colours. Then we start a crackling wood fire and listen to classical music, while keeping a very keen eye on how the candles are burning. Candle holders are weighted at the bottom, with a motive. At the top, there is a ‘hook’, so you can hang it on the branches.  Also, up top is where you insert the candles into the holder. The candles are self-extinguishing and will typically burn 60-70 mins.
 
Our Christmas entrée can vary from fish to ham to duck, with white and sugar glazed small potatoes, and a salad or green veggies. In our case, we finish with a very light chocolate mousse  (Mom’s recipe), and a nice port. With the Muscovy duck breast we have a lighter red wine.
 
Then we’ll light the tree.
 
Wishing you and your readers a very Merry and Safe Christmas!
 
In Danish it is:  Glœdelig Jul !
 
 
Henrik
 
p.s. when still in Denmark, it would begin on the 2nd Sunday in Dec, with a number of friends coming to my parent’s house. Then we would all drive through the forest – as a Doctor my Dad had a key to the gate.