With war in Europe, the electricity crisis and expensive times, 2022 was an uncertain year for many. But the Christmas spirit is still at its peak among people news has spoken to around the country. So what do Norwegians look forward to this Christmas? – To just take it easy, rest. Being with close family, says Christin Lund, who is on her way home to Fredrikstad. – Food and gifts. To be with friends, say the brothers Imran and Ajmal Shinwari, who are on their way to Kristiansand to celebrate Christmas. – There will be ribs, mullet cream and two grandchildren who will set the mood, says Jonas Gahr Støre, who admits that the ribs will be finished on hanging hair by Christmas Eve. HECTIC: The Christmas cookies are flying away at Simen Tollersrud at Baker Hansen at Storo in Oslo. Photo: Håkon Benjaminsen / news At Baker Hansen in Storo storsenter, it’s another busy day at work for Simen Tollersrud. He sells Christmas goods for the bakery wearing a Putti Plutti Plott Santa hat. – Now we replenish goods, which we receive several times a day. Now before Christmas, a lot of goods are sold, you could say, says Tollersrud. – Are you looking forward to Christmas? – Yes. But right now it’s important to get rid of it so people get good cakes for Christmas, he says as he opens a new box of Christmas cakes. WANT TO ENJOY: – My impression is that people don’t buy less. Christmas is only once a year, says Tollersrud at Baker Hansen. Photo: Håkon Benjaminsen / news Christmas cakes for the people – What are you most looking forward to? – To relax. It’s been going on for a few months now, so the Christmas break will be lovely. For Tollersrud, the Christmas holidays begin on Christmas Eve. – Then there will be a celebration with the family, according to tradition. With good Christmas food and, of course, Christmas cakes. It is important. HECTIC: December has been a hectic month for the retail industry. Simen Tollersrud at Baker Hansen at Storo is looking forward to a quiet Christmas holiday. Photo: Håkon Benjaminsen / news Storo storsenter was packed with shoppers two days before Christmas Eve. Many made the final preparations and purchases for Christmas. – You could perhaps say that people can afford less, electricity is more expensive and everything. But my impression is that people don’t buy less, says Tollersrud. – Perhaps, on the other hand, a little more to have a little extra fun. After all, Christmas only comes once a year. TRADITION: Tom Halvorsen’s group of friends are gathered at the café at Storo in Oslo. They have done this every week for the past ten years. Photo: Håkon Benjaminsen – People fly around here A group of nine pensioners are sitting at one of the shopping centre’s cafe tables. – Now we have a so-called Christmas ending, says Tom Halvorsen. He and his group of friends get together several times a week and train, before rounding off with a joint coffee at the bakery. This will be the last time before Christmas. – It is a tradition we have kept going for the past ten years, explains Halvorsen. READY FOR CHRISTMAS: Tom Halvorsen, Helge Refsnes and Odd Arne Hagen are looking forward to spending time with their grandchildren and family at Christmas time. Photo: Håkon Benjaminsen / news He is well aware that Christmas is just around the corner. – I see people flying around here like crazy chickens and are a bit stressed and agitated. Personally, he most looks forward to being with his grandchildren and family and friends. – We will eat good food and do other things than what we usually do. – We also notice that there is great pressure on the economy, but we manage. We don’t let it spoil the atmosphere, he says. – You can have a good time together. 8-year-old Oskar Prytz has taken a Christmas holiday and is out with his father on a last round of shopping before Christmas. The eight-year-old is looking forward to Christmas. – Then you can have such a good time together, he says. – You eat good food and enjoy playing games. SKIING AND GIFTS: Oskar Prytz (8) is looking forward to skiing and playing games with his family this Christmas. Photo: Håkon Benjaminsen / news He will celebrate with both grandparents, siblings and mum and dad. – What are you looking forward to? – Maybe the gifts. And then I’ll go skiing. It’s fun, he says.
ttn-69