Keeping Christmas (2000) (edit title/settings)

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Liked It 1 of 1 members found this review helpful Rated 4 stars “I actually only read the first half of this book, the half dealing strictly with Norway, as I picked up the book for research on the subject. Keeping Christmas is a wonderful example of a casual, contemporary work of folklore or cultural studies, examining the present and traditional...” see full review » see other reviews »

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  • Rated 3 stars

  “About scandinavian heritage”

  Bente D wrote this review Saturday, April 3, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
  
  1 of 1 members found this review helpful

  • Rated 4 stars

  “I actually only read the first half of this book, the half dealing strictly with Norway, as I picked up the book for research on the subject. Keeping Christmas is a wonderful example of a casual, contemporary work of folklore or cultural studies, examining the present and traditional practices of the Christmas holiday (called Jul in Norwegian), and the surrounding festivities: Christmas Eve, Romjul (the period of days between Christmas and New Year's), New Year's Day, and Epiphany. However, though it is centered around it, the book does not focus exclusively on Christmas; much information is given on normal, year-round Norwegian traditions, serving to underline the specific ways in which Christmas traditions are unique against the normal backdrop of Norwegian culture. Written in clear, casual yet focused prose, Keeping Christmas is a fascinating exploration of an aspect of culture that most Westerners share, Norwegian or otherwise. It is a look into the past, and how the past continues to influence the present. ”

  Michael wrote this review Wednesday, January 6, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No