One of the most popular ‘unofficial holidays’ in America takes place this weekend. Here in the football world in which you play with your hands, rather than your feet, it is the Sunday of them all – Super Bowl Sunday. Super Bowl XLIX is gearing up to be one of the most watched events…
DetailsJanuary 9, 2014 The Rebild Society: A Danish – American Friendship Association Last week I wrote about the New Year’s Eve journal entry made by Miss Mary, which I had found in the hope chest. In it she wrote about the anticipation she had for the New Year, and her life as she was embarking…
DetailsJanuary 5, 2015 Happy New Year! “I shall think of the start to this new year as a great ship embarking on its’ maiden voyage,” wrote a then eighteen-year-old Mary Thorsen on the eve of New Year’s Day, 1891. That year would prove to be a very significant one in her young life, as she…
DetailsDecember 25, 2014 The countdown to Christmas began weeks ago, and this week finally culminates in the events that many of us have been looking forward to all year: Lilli Juleaften (Little Christmas Eve) and Julen (Christmas)! All over the world families have their own special Christmas traditions. Some gather to eat, sing…
DetailsIt’s safe to say that Christmas was a more modest and tranquil affair back in Emma Thorsen, Anna Mikkelsen and Margrethe Olsen’s day. They all had a shared heritage, coming to Chicago from Denmark in the late 19th century, which is probably what drew them so close to one another, but each had forged their…
DetailsDecember 12, 2014 Both Denmark and America share many Christmas traditions, just as many other cultures do around the world at this time of year. By now, most households have brought home the most perfect juletrae (Christmas tree) and have spent a lovely evening together decorating it. Plates of our favorite Christmas cookies, such as the…
Details‘Tis the season for the many welcomed traditions we look forward to all year long, and this Saturday is no exception. My Mormor and the other residents of The Danish Home look forward to The Danish Sisterhood’s annual Christmas visit because they have such a lovely time together each year. Whether they are singing hymns…
DetailsThe last Thursday of November (it wasn’t changed to the 3rd Thursday until around 1939) was one met with welcomed anticipation and enthusiasm for all who knew Anna Mikkelsen, and for Anna herself. Known for blocks for being an exceptional cook and baker, as well as having a generous and hospitable manner, Thanksgiving with the…
DetailsNovember 21, 2014 “Pro Rege et Grege” (translation: “for the king and the people”) …
DetailsNovember 13, 2014 Tranquility, pleasant conversation, and a full stomach are all necessary qualities for a successful evening meal. However, accomplishing this trifecta can often be a nearly impossible feat. If and when we do have that once-in-a-blue-moon occasion where everyone makes it home on time, sits down at the table together, and enjoys…
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