This culinary celebration of Christmas (jul) can’t be missed, at least for those who love everything sweet and savory.  The local Norwegian Seaman’s Church, originally established to accommodate foreign nordic sailors who came into port of Houston, has grown to encompass so many of our neighbors who long for a taste of their nordic roots.  My son was wise enough to marry a Swede, Ika Lundin, some years ago, so we are now all well versed in the traditions of her culture.  As luck would have it (a gift from above) my friend and neighbor, Helen King, has an equally wise son, who married a Fin, Inna King.  We have learned to love all things seafood!  These nordic countries are surrounded by water, so shrimp, salmon and herring are the order of the day.  Everything tastes so incredibly healthy as well as absolutely delish!  Even the pastries are made with far less sugar than our American desserts.  After enjoying a bite of princess cake, you wonder why we overdo our icings.

After Fika (a coffee break) all the families headed outside to enjoy the kiddos.  Sisu and Lumi King worked at teaching Bo how to “playdate” Nordic style.  It was the first cold front of the year for Houston, so appropriate for this festival.  All the hearty laplanders loved it, me not so much:)  I’ll have to remember to wear a coat next year!