Last week, we started this column by saying that the ice wasn’t coming from the sky. After a week of beautiful snow, it is time to take that back, as November has now given us the first white-covered fields and trees. This also means increasingly slippery streets, which is especially a hazard to cyclists. As we know, the show must go on. We encourage all bike lovers to embrace the cold in true Danish fashion and stick to cycling, but more than ever, be aware of the importance of proper cycling and wearing helmets. On especially icy days, it might be worth a meeting with your Rejsekort.
Unfortunately, the travel card won’t be the only card you’ll see a lot of in the coming weeks – December is a tricky season for everyone’s bank account. Do save the date for this year’s Black Friday on November 29, as it will be a great opportunity to stack yourself up with necessary gifts and other seasonal spendings.
In Denmark, the gift-giving season starts early with the advent period. It is a common Danish tradition to give and receive advent calendars – but we are not only referring to the lovely cardboard boxes filled with sweets that you buy in supermarkets and shops. For most Danes, is it common to give gifts to each other every day of the week leading up to Christmas. Unless you have an unlimited budget, these are typically small and simple, as they serve the purpose of surprising and showing you thought of someone. Some families choose to do a rotating “calendar,” where a gift is opened each day, with family members taking turns being the receivers.
Advent season, starting next Sunday, is also marked by the use of candles.Did you know that Denmark is the country that burns the most candles per capita in the world? Advent candles come in different styles and sizes, but there are two main models: one with four markers and one with 24 markers. The first one is lit every Sunday of the advent period, whereas the other one is burned for shorter periods every day until Christmas Eve. If you want to take part in this or any other Danish traditions, you now have a week to prepare and join the Christmas hygge.
