For most of us, Christmas is filled with traditions of various kinds. One of the traditions in Odense is the North Atlantic Christmas Market, which always takes place over two days.
Again this year, all three floors of the large building were filled with stalls. 33 in total. The various exhibitors displayed and sold, among other things, knitwear, ceramics, sealskin work, paintings, photographs, jewelry, books, knives and Christmas decorations in large quantities. This year, there was something completely new: Traditional Icelandic pastries.
As always, one can be very impressed by the great creativity and hard work that lies behind the impressive works of the many exhibitors. They are all passionate souls in their own way.
Something for every taste
A few examples: Dorrit Hansen with elves and Christmas decorations. Dorrit Hansen's stall is a family affair. Two daughters, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild help out.
Lilja Sveinsdóttir who, together with her three daughters, sold traditional Icelandic baked goods.
Knitting designer Bara Ástvaldsdóttir with her own knitting patterns, including mohair yarn. In many of the interviews, Bara Ástvaldsdóttir is told a little about Craft psychology, which tells something about the positive psychological effects of doing needlework.
When the hands work, the mind calms down. Karline Platou, owner of the small publishing house Ikuala, sells books, shirts and games.
Of course there was also entertainment. The Umiaq Choir sang and out on the stairs you could hear the most beautiful Faroese hymns. It was Anna Maria Olsen who sang and played accompanied by Bjarki Meitil. And if you wanted to take Anna Maria Olsen's hymns home, you could buy a CD.
And of course, it wouldn't be a Christmas market without Santa Claus. He was also there.
Many were tempted and bought a Christmas present or two. Others of the approximately 2,500 people who visited the Christmas market simply walked around and looked at the many different goods in the many stalls.
And we could all learn a little more about what the North Atlantic countries are.
The tradition continues
It was the 12th time that there was a Christmas market in Nordatlantisk Hus, and of course it will continue with time number 13 on the last weekend in November 2026. That's how it is with traditions. They go on and on.
