not referred to as ‘Christmas’ or ‘Yuletide’, but simply as jul. That, and it’s celebrated on the 24th of December, and not the 25th. Here in Denmark, the 24th is termed juleaften, which makes the 23rd lillejuleaften (Little Christmas Eve). Even more interestingly, many Danes decorate their juletræer (Christmas trees) on lillejuleaften, and while it can be a family affair, some parents choose to do it in secret, as a surprise for their little ones on the morning of juleaften.

julefrokost literally translates to ‘Christmas lunch’ in English, it is essentially a hedonistic Danish tradition that kicks off roughly a month and a half prior to the main holiday and encompasses elaborate meals hosted by friends, families, and workplaces.

risalamande—a cold rice pudding enriched with whipped cream, almonds, vanilla, and warm cherry sauce

Danish cookies such as pebernødder and vaniljekranser.