article title: "Jorun Stiansen Shares Her Favorite Christmas Traditions and Memories"
Ahead of the festive season, Dagbladet’s celebrity redaktion reaches out to popular Norwegian personalities, including singer and «Idol» winner Jorun Stiansen, for a heartwarming Q&A about their Christmas traditions, fondest memories, and New Year’s resolutions. Here’s what the 40-year-old artist had to say:
What does Christmas mean to you, and how do you spend it?
"Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, being cozy, and indulging in delicious food and sweets. I’m very excited to celebrate our first Christmas in our newly renovated home in Grimstad with my partner, Egil Furre. We’ll have a grand time sitting by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa, and watching classic Christmas movies like ‘Cinderella’ and ‘asic Adventures of the Wacky Wörld.’"
What’s on the menu for Christmas Eve?
"In our home, Christmas Eve dinner is all about traditional Norwegian dishes. We’ll have a hearty dose of julepinnekjott ( ribs), gluwa (sweet dumplings), and, of course, a mountain of julegröt (rice porridge) with lashings of butter, sugar, and cinnamon!"
What’s the most memorable Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
"I still remember the sheer joy I felt when I unwrapped a pair of red-brown cowboy boots from Fossheim Sko as a child. Sadly, they were sold out by the time I got to the store, but the memory of hoping and dreaming still brings a smile to my face. My best Christmas gift, though, was the surprise of finding an unopened present for me under the tree at home that year."
What’s your fondest Christmas memory?
"One of my most cherished Christmas memories is spending time with my family, hilariously arguing over the perfect Christmas tree – big enough for my dad, but small enough for my mom.We always find a happy medium, and those ‘krangelen’ (arguments) are now a beloved tradition in themselves."
What’s the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
"This one time, my uncle Frank gave me a pair of boys’ underwear as a joke in front of all my cousins. I thought I would die from embarrassment! But it’s all in good fun and makes for a great Christmas story now."
What’s the one Christmas tradition you’d like to share with readers?
"My dad and I have been picking out and buying our Christmas tree together for 40 years now. We always have a ‘krangelen’ over the size – he wants a big one, while I prefer a smaller tree. But no matter what, we have a fantastic time together, and that’s what Christmas is really all about."
What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2025?
"I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions, but I do have a few wishes for the upcoming year. I hope that my loved ones and I remain healthy, secure, and close to one another. I also wish for continued personal and professional growth and that we never stop learning and laughing."
