The Story of Andy Kjearsgaard
Christmas was always a particularly enjoyable time on the farm. After the chores were done, we'd sit down to a traditional Danish Christmas Eve meal, complete with rice pudding and excitement about who would get the mandel nut (almond). I learned Dad's trick of nonchalantly hiding the nut in my mouth while I continued eating.
Somehow Dad seemed to get that prized item more often than anyone else. We often accused Mom of planting it. But then, why wouldn't she?
Christmas Devotions
Before the evening finale we had to sit still and listen to the Christmas story as related in the Gospel of Luke. To us kids, this was a waste of time––let's get to the presents!
Presents from Denmark
Our gifts consisted of one large parcel Mom's sister Karen sent every year from Bornholm, Denmark. It was really a care package, ingeniously wrapped in a linen tablecloth. The cloth was sewn together with tight, small stitches to secure its contents.
We watched in anticipation as Dad performed intricate surgery to open the package. He didn't dare damage Mom's new tablecloth. When the cloth was opened up, its contents were displayed, distributed and finally unwrapped. There was something for everyone: knitted woolen mitts and socks, chocolate and other sweets and a small luxury item for each of us kids. Once there was even a game for all to play (LINK to You're the Dirty Rascal chapter).
After all had been opened, Mom read out the letter from her sister. She shed a few tears, pausing a few times to steady her voice. Then she continued to the end.
It really was a Glædelig Jul.
Adapted from the 1994 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
Teaser:
• Will Andy and Arne find time to play their new game?
