Scandinavian holiday event planned Dec. 7

Last modified: Thursday, November 20, 2008 10:10 AM CST

Scandinavian holiday event planned Dec. 7

For the Herald

Celebrate Advent with an open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Ager House, 514 West Madison St., Eau Claire. The public is invited to take part in the free holiday event with food, Christmas music, and camaraderie.

The afternoon will feature lots of family fun. There will be Scandinavian baked goods with apple cider and coffee. Norwegian Christmas carolers will sing throughout the afternoon. Guests will be invited to make paper chains and Scandinavian baskets to hang on the Ager tree or to take home.

Children will be able to frost cookies, and either eat their creations or add them to the tree. Rosemaling will be on display and rosemaled ornaments offered for sale. Upstairs in the Ager Library, visitors can watch a video, Christmas Traditions in Norway, or read a Christmas story from the many books available there.

The Julenisse will give each guest a candy cane and, at 1:30 p.m., lead a short program during which he will explain his place in the folklore of the Scandinavian countries.

The program also will include the entrance of St. Lucia and her significance as part of the holiday season. At the conclusion of the program and while everyone is gathered around the Christmas tree, the Norwegian singers and the organist will invite the group to join them in singing a few traditional carols.

There is no charge for the event. For further information, contact Ken Ziehr at (715) 832-0956.