In Nettavisen’s Christmas column, well-known Norwegians talk about their plans for Christmas, which Christmas traditions they cannot do without and what kind of expectations they have for the coming year. From us to you – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We had a Christmas chat with KrF party leader Olaug Bollestad (61), and she is looking forward to chaotic conditions at Christmas. And last but not least a snowball fight with her husband, Jan Frode.
How and with whom will you celebrate Christmas this year?
– We celebrate at our home in Ålgård in Rogaland. The children and grandchildren are arriving, so the house will be full and chaotic. Just the way I like it!
What do you eat on Christmas Eve?
– Meat sticks, of course!
What are your Christmas traditions?
– Before Christmas I cook a lot and sew lamb’s wool for sausages. Jan Frode is always in charge of the church music and I’m in charge of the food at home, and there’s rice porridge in the morning and pork chops for dinner. Kids manage to stock up on snot even as adults, and “Three Nuts for Cinderella” is a must.
What is an overrated Christmas tradition?
– I can’t think of any. As long as it’s in the holiday spirit, everything must be fine, right?
What is your best Christmas memory?
– When my father took me by the hand and went to a special store with Christmas decorations. The best thing was to do something with my father, safety and comfort.
What’s your worst Christmas memory?
– When I, as an adult, brought children, husband and boxes of biscuits to my mother who was mentally ill and would not let us in. It was awful for me and very painful because I had the kids with me.
What’s the best or worst Christmas present you’ve ever received or given?
– When I had pantyhose as a child. As a child, I didn’t like tights.
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Do you have a Christmas activity to recommend?
– Snowball War! And no, it’s not just for kids. Jan Frode and I often have snowball fights, just the two of us.
Christmas soda red or brown?
– Bruno!
Let’s be honest, is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie?
– I don’t know, I have to admit I haven’t seen it.
Read also: The Christmas present for his 30th birthday was the beginning of his career: – A defining moment
What’s your favorite Christmas carol?
– “Delightful is the Earth.”
How will you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
– Together with good friends.
How would you sum up 2022?
– By far the biggest highlight of the year was becoming baby Malli’s first-time grandmother. I’ve gone crazy! Otherwise it was sadly a dramatic and difficult year in the world with the senseless and tragic war in Ukraine, and a tough autumn for many here at home who are now unable to make ends meet due to rising prices.
What is your biggest wish for 2023?
– That Russia withdraws from Ukraine. War is brutal and senseless and has taken the lives of too many innocent people.
What are your plans for next year?
– It will be a busy and fun year with lots of traveling all over Norway to meet people. I’m really looking forward to it!
