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The Chisago County Historical Society is pleased to announce its new holiday exhibit, “Scandinavian Christmas” is now open at the History Center in downtown Lindstrom.   Volunteers were very busy for over three weeks getting these displays ready.

The exhibit shares the Christmas traditions and culture of four Scandinavian countries:  Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland,  with individual display space devoted to each  one.

The “kitchen” focus is on Norway with lovely examples of rosemaling on wooden items, beautiful Porsgrund “Hearts and Pines” china, as well as Norwegian linens and sweaters.  Highlights are two beautiful wooden tine (pronounced teen-ah) boxes from Norway, a handmade wooden “tudu” used for stirring “romengrot” porridge and a handmade wooden dipper/spoon from the early 1900’s with a painting on it.  The center is grateful to Mary Mathison, Cande Nelson and Norma Rank for loaning items and family history for this display.

The “dining room” features Denmark.  There is a Christmas tree decorated with handmade paper ornaments, candles and Danish flags.   There are many photos of Danish Christmas Markets and other familiar sights.  Highlights of the display are several Bing and Grondahl Christmas plates as well as a mantel with stockings hanging that are tended to by a “nisse” (the friendly family gnome.)  Thank you to Nancy Klammer for providing Danish items.

The “living room”  area is devoted to Sweden.  There is a lovely Christmas tree decorated with traditional straw ornaments, candles and Swedish flags.  There is a mannequin wearing the Swedish national dress.  Highlights of the display are a 75 year old “tomte” and vintage photos of the Peterson family as well as two mannequins wearing Swedish folk dress sewn by the late Alice Mortenson.   Mary Johnson and Betty Hagberg are responsible for loaning items and family history for this display.

Finland takes up the front portion of the exhibit area.  There is a Christmas tree decorated with wooden ornaments, apples, candles and Finnish flags.  There is an attractive display of Finnish items.  Highlights of the exhibit are several pieces of mid-century Finnish china and a handsewn anorak with a silver fox ruff.  The center is grateful to Nancy Klammer for providing Finnish items.

The History Center is open Mon., Tues., Thurs, Fri. and Sat. From 10-4.  Admission is free but donations are encouraged.  The gift shop is also decked out for the holidays.

The Historical Society members look forward to seeing you!  God Jul, Glaedelig Jul and Hyvaa Joulua!

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