Introduction
Children often cherish the magic and excitement of Christmas. But what about the special day right before Christmas? For many families, 'Cheat Night' on the last Saturday of November has become a beloved tradition, filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.
Passage One: The Celebration Begins
Every year, we mark the start of this tradition by preparing for the holiday right before Christmas. Our "Cheat Night", as we call it, is a unique blend of traditions from our Norwegian heritage, making it a special and meaningful celebration. The day begins early, when we wake up and clean the house. The theme of this festive morning is The Cheat Night.
From early morning until noon, we engage in a variety of activities, including cleaning the house to prepare for the festivity. By midday, our family gathers around to enjoy a traditional dish #8212; rice porridge with an almond hidden inside one of the servings. This is where the excitement really builds as everyone hopes to find the almond.
The game of finding the almond is a delightful and suspenseful activity. Whoever gets the almond must hide it until the end of the meal, and the suspense increases as everyone tries to guess who has the special prize. The very last person to guess correctly is the winner and receives a special gift. This is typically a marzipan pig, but, due to our family's preference for chocolate over marzipan, we have switched to a delightful piece of chocolate instead.
The Norwegian Connection
This tradition is rooted in Norwegian culture, where rice porridge and an almond are central to this celebration. It's a reminder of the cultural roots we hold dear and the joy our kids feel in sharing these customs with us.
Decoration and Dinner
After enjoying our meal, we turn our attention to decorating the house. Our family members take pride in adorning the home with an abundance of Christmas lights and decorations, transforming it into a festive and inviting space. While the kids work on the decorations, I prepare a typical Norwegian Christmas dinner. We enjoy this meal at 5 pm, followed by a delightful Christmas cookie-baking session that involves everyone in the family.
A Night of Cuddles and Felicity
With the cookies ready and hot chocolate in hand, we sit together in front of the TV, wearing Christmas hats and getting ready to watch 'Polar Express'. The joy of this final act cannot be understated. The music from the film, especially the team's song, evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and accomplishment for me. It's a moment filled with emotion and joy, a reminder of all the hard work and love that went into creating this special night.
For my children, Cheat Night is even more special than Christmas Eve. The reason? It's all about being a family, without the added stress of Christmas morning. When we sit down to watch 'Polar Express', they feel the warmth and togetherness, knowing that Christmas magic exists. It's not just about the presents or the perfect dinner, it's about being a family, working together, and making lasting memories.
Conclusion
Every year, as we sit down to watch 'Polar Express' with hot chocolate and cookies, I am amazed by the emotions this night brings. It's a perfect representation of the true essence of Christmas #8212; love, togetherness, and joy. Whether it's the special traditions we've maintained or the simple act of being together as a family, Cheat Night is a tribute to the magic and love we share every Christmas.