Jul (Norway)
Jul or jol is the term used for the Christmas holiday season in Scandinavia. Originally, “jul” (or “jol”) was the name of a month in the old Germanic calendar, corresponding roughly to the time from mid-December through mid-January, and the concept of “jul” as a period of time rather than a specific event, prevails in Scandinavia.
The term "Jul" is used by : Norwegians, Swedish, Islandish, Greenlandish, Danish, Faroe islanders.
Whereas the start of “jul” proper is announced by the chiming of church bells throughout the country in the afternoon of 24 December, it is more accurate to describe the season five week event, consisting of five phases: Advent, Julaften, Romjul, Nyttår, and Holy Three Kings’ Day (Epiphany), which is the thirteenth, and final day of the season.
The modern day celebration is largely based on the Church year, but has retain several pre-Reformation and pre-Christian elements.
The main event in Scandinavia is Christmas Eve (julaften), when the main Christmas meal is served and gifts are exchanged.