Happy Romjul

One should be four years old at Christmas time

 And know a girl who was nearly five,

And both should dress up with masks

And visit Grandmas’ house in costumes.

 It would be in the middle of the day

And the road would be easy to walk,

And all dogs should stay indoors And there would be no cars on the road.

 And if there were other children on the way

Who made fun and wanted to come along, Then, one should have a brother in fifth grade

Who cleared the way, so we could walk in peace.

And the Grandma-house should be asleep

And nobody should look through the curtains until we could tip- toe through the hallway

And put the masks on before, we knocked.

One should be four years old at Christmas time

with Christmas lights shining all day long

where the world was a house with four walls,

And happiness was a Grandmas’ lap

The Norwegians had ways to keep the holly-jolly going through Boxing Day to New Years.  They celebrate Romjul.  Rom means 'room/space'.  Jul is Yule.  They have an extended holiday called Christmas Space before Nyttar.  Nyttar means new years. 

They, like us, use this time to exchange gifts but, they also do 'thank you' notes during this time.  Of course, their stores have after the after-Christmas sales.  As well, this is a time to go through their things and have a yard-type sale.

 

Don't let the happiness dissipate easily.  Make some new traditions.

©Carol Desjarlais 12.28.19