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Danish Christmas lunch traditions evolve with modern celebrations and drinking trends

Tuesday 3rd 2024 on 18:33 in  
Denmark

Flæskesteg, frikadeller, karrysild, juleøl, and plenty of snaps. These are the typical dishes featured during Christmas lunches in 2024, often enjoyed alongside a long evening of festivities – sometimes resulting in a bit of revelry. But what are the origins of this holiday tradition, and how has it evolved over time?

To explore the foundations of the modern Christmas lunch, we journey back several centuries. In the 16th to 18th centuries, Danish farms hosted gatherings known as “julestuer” during the shortest days of the year. Attendees would enjoy home-brewed beer and hearty fare such as rye bread served with toppings and apple slices, while also engaging in various social games that might seem inappropriate by today’s standards.

As the 1960s approached, these festive gatherings began to adapt significantly, aligning with the emergence of the welfare state. The Christmas lunch transformed into a lively celebration, moving beyond simple after-work drinks to include stronger beverages that would elevate the festive atmosphere. Notably, the promotional campaign “Gris på Gaflen” played a pivotal role, encouraging the consumption of pork through an array of classic dishes.

In the last 15-20 years, corporate Christmas lunches have ballooned, with larger venues becoming the norm and many companies merging their celebrations. Entertainers are often hired to perform for the exuberant guests, making these events ripe for fun and possibly scandalous moments.

Looking to the future, some companies are considering alcohol-free options for these gatherings, acknowledging a shift in focus from heavy drinking to inclusivity. This evolution may redefine the Christmas lunch, creating opportunities to bond and build appeal for attracting foreign talent to Denmark.

Source 
(via dr.dk)