Our first measurable snowfall of the season was heavily hyped up over the last several days. Luke and I were excited – he because it might mean a day off from school and me because…I like snow! My ancestry is mostly Norwegian/Scandinavian, so I think I’m genetically predisposed to get unreasonably excited for the first snowfall.

But it was not to be. Sadly, our town was just on the wrong side of the rain/snow line. Fifteen miles north? Snow! Here? Rain. We did manage to get a few wet snowflakes late last night. But this was about it…

So instead of posting a nice little photo story about the magic of December snow, I’m switching gears and telling you about a couple of weird December Celebration Days instead!

First up...
National Sock Day! Observed on December 4th, National Sock Day celebrates socks that have managed avoid the mystery wormhole that steals socks from the dryer and transports them to an alternate universe where they are never seen again - but instead manage to stay paired, wash after wash, fold after fold, year after year. 

National Sock Day was founded on December 4th, 2016 by Pair of Thieves - a website that sells...well...socks! (And various other undergarments). The purpose of the day is not only meant to commemorate the consistent pairing of matching socks but also to encourage people to donate socks to homeless shelters. Socks are one of the most requested items and are usually in very short supply. 

My personal favorites are socks made by Bombas. Not only are they comfy, but this company donates a pair of socks (or other essential clothing items) for every pair/item purchased. They donate to a network of 4,000 organizations that provide assistance to the homeless.

Next up...
Get your dried codfish and lye ready because December 9th is National Lutefisk Day! Okay this one will be a head-scratcher for many of you. 

Lutefisk is a traditional Scandinavian dish prepared and served on Christmas Eve. The process takes a few weeks - starting early is a must. If you start preparing your Lutefisk on December 9th, it will be ready for Christmas Eve dinner. 

In brief...fresh caught cod is dried to the point of a texture that can only be described as leathery. To turn it into something more edible (completely subjective!), the cod leather is soaked in lye until it's plumped back to a tender, moist fish at which point it is skinned, boned and filleted. The next and final step is to boil the lye-soaked codfish until it takes on a gelatinous consistency. You can also bake it instead. It's usually served with salt and pepper, boiled potatoes and mushy green peas (prepared from dried peas). Some also serve meatballs with lingonberry jam alongside. You will often find Aquavit on the table - which might be necessary to get through eating the fish. 

Lutefisk tastes a bit fishy with a soapy after taste and smells awful! It's definitely an acquired taste...and some never acquire it at all. My mother, a born-and-bred Norwegian, won't touch it (and neither will I). 

While still a common traditional Christmas dish in Norway and the rest of Scandinavia, it's popularity is much greater among Scandinavian Americans in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Large amounts are prepared and consumed in these states and can be found on the menus of church suppers and Christmas parties that are specifically dedicated to the eating of Lutefisk. For some, it might be thought of as a culinary sacrifice in the name of tradition - and some actually enjoy it! To each their own.

I hope this brightened the mid-week doldrums for you! 
Check back on Saturday for reflections on the month of December, nature photos and more off-beat December celebrations.