DANISH CHRISTMAS READY
A SEASON OF JOY AND REFLECTION
DEAR READERS
As the festive season approaches, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning readers of The International. Christmas, a time of tradition and warmth, brings us a blend of joy, reflection, and unity. It is a season that surpasses cultural boundaries, encouraging us to pause, reflect on the year gone by, and look forward to the new one.
In Denmark, Christmas is more than just a holiday— they go all out here! It's a special time to embrace, dare I say it, "hygge," celebrate with loved ones, and create lasting memories. The streets of our towns and cities are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, transforming everyday scenes into a real-life Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Freshly baked æbelskiver, roasted nuts, and kransekage are everywhere, and the melodies of Christmas carols evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
In this issue, we explore Christmas traditions in Denmark. We delve into the heart of Danish customs, from the story of Santa Lucia to the delightful tradition of dancing around the Christmas tree. Even our feature, Brooke, talks about how she and her family celebrate in a nonAmerican way after adopting local traditions.
One of the most beloved Danish traditions is the advent calendar, a symbol of the anticipation and excitement that builds as Christmas approaches. Each day, a new window is opened, revealing a small treat or a heartfelt message, reminding us of the joys that come with patience and the little surprises that make life special. In this spirit, our magazine offers a series of articles that are little windows into the diversity of our readers.
We also explore some culinary delights that define the holiday season. Danish Christmas cuisine is a feast for the senses, with hearty dishes and sweet treats that bring people together. From the rich flavours of roast pork with crackling to the comforting warmth of risalamande, our culinary journey will inspire you to bring a taste of Denmark into your own holiday celebrations. And, of course, no Christmas is complete without the spicy aroma of gløgg, a mulled wine that warms both body and soul. In addition to celebrating traditions, Christmas is a time for giving and spreading goodwill. This year, why not consider supporting charitable initiatives and community efforts that embody the true spirit of the season? Whether it's supporting local shelters, participating in food drives, or simply spreading kindness in our daily lives, we are re-
minded that Christmas lies in the act of giving.
As we get through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. Appreciating the simple joys, expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and strengthening connections with those around us. In a world that often feels divided, Christmas reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of love and compassion to bring us together.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you, our readers, for your continued support and engagement. Your enthusiasm and feedback inspire us to keep our publication going. On behalf of the entire team at The International, I wish you a joyous and peaceful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. May the coming year bring you health, happiness, and new opportunities.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love,
Lyndsay
MEET THE TEAM
EDITOR & FOUNDER
Lyndsay Jensen - lyndsay@the-intl.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER
Kenneth Macalpine - kenneth@the-intl.com
CONSULTING EDITOR
Conrad Egbert
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The International
WRITERS TEAM
Ophelia Wu; Alexandra Beck; Mariano Davies; Monika Pedersen; Anna Pawlowicz; Fiona L Smith; Natasha Liviero; Heather Storgaard; Natália Šepitková; Leslea Petersen, Jess Hearne
COVER PICTURE
Martin Macalpine
SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM
Ane-Sophie Custura; Ritq Miri, Josephine Kwizera
SALES
sales@the-intl.com
The International is published online 12 times a year. This issue was published on 9 December 2024. Notice: The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be
A value-driven community that welcomes students ages 4-16.
Rygaards has a strong reputation of a rich educational experience with a nurturing atmosphere where students learn to think for themselves, find their own voice, and engage with the world with confidence and curiosity.
High academic standards
Christian ethos
Beautiful campus, located in Hellerup
CRISIS PREPPING CHECKLIST!
BE PREPARED FOR THREE DAYS
The Danish authorities recommend that you and your household be self-sufficient for at least three days in a crisis.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
If you are prepared and able to take care of yourself and your loved ones, authorities can focus their efforts where the needs are greatest, helping to normalise the situation. The more people who can fend for themselves and assist others during and immediately after a crisis, the stronger we stand as a community.
PRACTICAL ADVICE
Here are some simple steps to help you prepare. These recommendations have been developed in collaboration with various Danish authorities and represent a joint assessment of how to respond to crises:
Basic supplies: Ensure you have enough food, water, and essential medications for at least three days.
Communication: Have a plan for staying informed and communicating with family members.
First aid: Keep a first aid kit and know basic first aid procedures.
Utilities: Know how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity if necessary.
Safety: Have tools and supplies for essential home repairs and personal safety.
COMMUNITY EFFORT
You might only need to use some of this advice, but it's good to be prepared. Do what you can to help yourself and those around you family, neighbours, and friends. Denmark is known for its strong community spirit, and by following these guidelines, we can be even better prepared for future crises.
HERE IS AN ESSENTIAL LIST OF WHAT EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE:
DRINKING WATER:
Drinking water (3L per person per day)
Water for animals or livestock
FOOD:
Long-lasting food that doesn’t need to be cooked
MEDICINE & FIRST AID:
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Iodine tablets (for people under 40, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers)
HYGIENE PRODUCTS:
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Nappies, tampons and sanitary towels
WARMTH:
Blankets, duvets and warm clothes
OTHER NECESSITIES:
Power bank for your mobile phone
Torch
OTHER NECESSITIES:
Batteries
Physical payment cards (remember your PIN code)
Cash (coins and small notes)
Candles & matches
COMMUNICATION:
AM/FM radio that runs on battery, solar power or hand crank (a car radio is an alternative)
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Are there children or older adults in your house?
Do you live exposed to a flooding area?
Do you have alternative transport options in the event of a flood?
Can you help or get help from family, neighbours or friends?
FROM THE USA TO DANISH COUNTRY LIVING
MEET AMERICAN MOM BROOKE WHO EMBRACES LIFE IN DENMARK,
WHILE COURAGEOUSLY FACING THE CHALLENGES OF A NEW LANGUAGE AND PARENTING IN A VASTLY DIFFERENT CULTURE.
BBROOKE BLACK IS a global communication director at a Danish podcast and audiobook company based in Copenhagen. She is also a mother of two daughters (6 and 4 years old) and lives in Copenhagen with her Danish husband, Mads. Her journey to Denmark was definitely outside the plans. They travelled from Los Angeles to Denmark in 2020, shortly after their second child was born. Covid-19 was in full force, and the world was in a pandemic. Brooke did not consider it safe to send the children to preschool institutions, so they decided to travel to Europe. They packed for two weeks and visited her husband’s family in Denmark - the short trip turned into a move.
“I had to give up a job I loved in the US, which was a big part of my identity, but I was lucky enough to find something that fit my skill set at a Danish-founded company,” says Brooke. She has a bachelor’s degree from Boston University’s College of Communication. She has written for several news and lifestyle publications and has experience working in communication departments at Warner Bros. and Apple. Brooke was raised in Chicago and spent many years in New York, London, and Los Angeles before relocating to Denmark.
SCANDI-HEAVEN
Brooke likely experienced the most significant culture shock of all. “I went from living in major cities for most of my life to a 1700s farm in Jutland. Life slowed down, the nature was beautiful, and we were close to my Danish husband’s family,” begins Brooke with her life story. “We arrived in July, and it was the most beautiful time in Denmark. We were eating fruits from trees and bushes; the nature in Midtjylland is unparalleled. I felt like I’d died and gone to Scandi-heaven. It didn’t seem real. We also had chickens
and embraced the whole countryside living experience. We left the concrete jungle behind and rented a home in a small village called Alling.”
She was still on maternity leave from her second child, so at the start, it felt like a vacation. They spent their days driving around to see the sights and visit family. When she began working again, she maintained a schedule aligned with LA time, which allowed her to spend the daytime with her baby before starting work around 4 PM. “When winter arrived, I swear I hadn’t seen any neighbours for months. I thought that they were home, but I saw no one. That was fairly isolating, and with the 9-hour time difference to LA, I was missing many friend conversations at night and had no one to talk to during the day.”
READY FOR COPENHAGEN
While their country farmhouse and Danish village supported them during the pandemic years, they were ready for city life again. “I got a job at a Danish company in Copenhagen, and my husband and I were both commuting three hours each way on the train every week, trading days so we could look after the children. We did this for three years and tried to make it work, but we weren’t all together until the end of the week, and the distance started to take a toll on our health, so we sold our beautiful farmhouse and got a place in Copenhagen,” explains Brooke.
However, life in Jutland made a deep impression on her, and she is grateful that she experienced it. Even though she was often surprised that people her age were not as comfortable with English, so in their little village, her friendships with neighbours had limits, and she became the “smile and wave” neighbour. As a very spontaneous person, Brooke
PHOTOGRAPHS MARTIN MACALPINE TEXT NATALIA SEPITKOVA
also had to get used to the fact that people in Jutland plan everything far in advance. Denmark is so much more than Copenhagen. “I feel sometimes people forget that, or there’s a slight superiority complex from Danes about Copenhagen vs the rest of Denmark, which they don’t bother visiting – which is sad. Aarhus is a world-class city with incredible museums, a cool music scene, close access to nature, their own great Tivoli, and Marselisborg,” says Brooke. “In Copenhagen, we’ve been lucky to find a very special community.”
She loves biking everywhere now. Her work is six minutes away instead of three hours, and there is so much access to culture and activities. “Overall, I’m glad we moved and are living here. Copenhagen is the perfect size city for where I’m at in my life, and our children are also thriving. I’m just starting to make friends, and I’m very grateful for that,” she adds.
PARENTING IN DENMARK
Like many others, she appreciates the trust and Danish values, sustainability and green movements, integrity and respect for journalism, and last but not least, the work-life balance. “If you sum up the total time spent with family in the US vs Denmark, it would be quite different, so I feel very fortunate to have that time with my children,” explains Brooke. “I’m giving my children an ‘80s childhood that no longer exists in the US - similar to the one I grew up with. I would say parenting is more free-range; there is more trust. Kids are given more independence early on. They are given real knives, not kid-friendly plastic knives. They learn empathy from a very early age and to help others.” Brooke appreciates that she doesn’t need to be worried about gun violence and that food regulations are better in Denmark. “We are giving them the best childhood they could have.”
The Danish language has been challenging for Brooke. After a week of Danish daycare, her eldest switched to speaking Danish and stopped speaking English entirely. Brooke’s ability to parent her became very difficult. “Sometimes, I feel like a backseat parent. My husband and daughters all have the same heart language and will laugh at the same joke I didn’t get on DR. My Danish is good, but it’s not to the level where I can naturally pick it up in the background. I worry sometimes that my daughters will confide in my husband more because it’s easier for them to speak to him about deeper topics.” Although her mum was born in Italy and spoke Italian, she never taught her and her brother the language - Brooke wants to give her kids the gift of two languages.
LOVELY FAMILY AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS
When I ask her how life is with a Danish husband, she laughs. “Every day is a blessing. We’ve made that joke since we eloped.” But immediately, she admits she is lucky that her husband's family is so welcoming. “We were married before I met them, so they were stuck with me. When we eloped in Vegas, we flew through Chicago so Mads could meet my parents. My dad had said he’d been doing some “research” on Mads and asked him everything about what it’s like to be Dutch. He tried,” she smiles.
After moving to Denmark, building a new network for Brooke was challenging. “I had a lot of false starts when I first came here - I did not make friends quickly. I learned that these things take time. Now that my kids are slightly older and more independent, I have more time, and I can prioritise networking and friendship more. Some of it was luck, getting plugged into groups when I moved to Copenhagen from people I had met online. My neighbourhood is an incredible community, and so are my coworkers. And my community of friends is growing, too. It’s taking some time, but I’m getting there and am so grateful.”
DANISH CHRISTMAS
She has lived in Denmark for four years and has already acquired some Danish habits. Winter bathing and afternoon coffee and cake are starting to become part of her life.
"BROOKE LIKELY EXPERIENCED THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CULTURE SHOCK OF ALL. SHE WENT FROM LIVING IN MAJOR CITIES FOR MOST OF HER LIFE TO A 1700S FARM IN JUTLAND. LIFE SLOWED DOWN, THE NATURE WAS BEAUTIFUL, AND THEY WERE CLOSE TO HER DANISH HUSBAND’S FAMILY."
As for Christmas, the Brooke family has a Danish rather than an American Christmas. “Now that we have children, we typically open gifts on Christmas Eve, and then we just relax and go for a walk on Christmas Day. We tried saving one last gift for Christmas Day, but it hasn’t worked. In the past, we’ve also done the Julekalender with little presents every day, but it’s exhausting with two children - so not this year. We do the nissedør as well,” describes Brooke, sharing one of the traditions she has adopted since moving. Their Christmas menu has been replaced by traditional sild, snaps, a roast, and potatoes - and of course, there is Risalamande and the almond game.
She likes many things about Danish Christmas traditions: the cosiness, the candles, the brunkager. Real candles on the tree were a huge culture shock to her. “How is there no fire in every home, especially with pets and babies? How do Danish cats know not to climb the trees,” asks Brooke. This year, her mom is coming from Chicago for Christmas. “I love her influence on my daughters and always miss her. I wish she lived here and not so far away! So we’ll mostly be in and around Copenhagen relaxing and being together, playing games by the fire, and going on walks - I am really looking forward to spending time together.”
AN INFLUENCER IN AN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Brooke shares her experiences about living and parenting abroad as an American in Denmark on Instagram and TikTok as BrookeBlackJust. “I started out using it to process what I had been experiencing in Denmark. For the first few years, I was just trying to figure things out. Then, perhaps out of loneliness or isolation, I started sharing and quickly found a community. It’s been great to learn and grow together and meet some amazing people.” Brooke has also appeared in several episodes of the podcast WAYDID, where she talks about how she came to Denmark and shares her international experience.
In her opinion, most internationals in Denmark need support finding a job. “I know many skilled internationals who cannot find work here, so they end up reinventing themselves or are stay-at-home partners. I think there are some great resources for internationals to connect (The International Denmark is one of them!). Still, there are many ways to connect with people through various interests and activities and navigate the Danish systems. Of course, it’s helpful to have a local Dane guiding you, and I can’t imagine how I would have done it without the help of my husband. I had to sign a bank document once, and it took thirteen separate steps (I counted) through the internet to get to the signing page - I would have been lost without him.”
Despite everything she has navigated, Brooke is determined to stay in Denmark for the foreseeable future. They have moved many times, and she is excited to be in one place for a while, especially with her oldest just starting public school. “This means I need to finish Danish language school and really up my game. I’m excited to explore more of Denmark, as well as try and figure out how to be “European”. For example, where can you go for a 3-day weekend? Where do you go in the winter if you didn’t grow up skiing? How do people take off 3-4 weeks in the summer without feeling guilty? So many things to learn,” concludes Brooke and she’s looking forward to living life more Danishly. THE-INTL
APPLYING FOR JOBS IN DECEMBER, WHY BOTHER?
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT LESLEA PETERSEN
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY are two of the best months for recruitment, with postings for many new roles. Recruiters are busy booking interviews to secure new hires for their organisations. So, why would you not wait until then and take December off from the job hunt?
JAs we are in full festive spirit in Denmark, there’s always this conversation about whether it’s worth applying for jobs. Surely HR has temporarily stopped hiring and new budgets are in place from January, so why bother applying? Let me share a few tips about how to use the next couple of weeks to maximise your chances in your job search.
Save the recruiter time and money!
APPLY UNSOLICITED –CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY
Take the time to revisit your target list of companies and see where you can send in an unsolicited application. Applying unsolicited in December gives the recruiter time to look through your offer and consider you for one of the roles due to be filled in 2025. Do your research. Who is currently doing your role? Where are the growth areas in the business? Where can you add your
unique skills and experience to the team?
Hiring is expensive, so make it easy for the hiring manager and tell them why you would be a good fit for their organisation.
WHAT ROLES TRADITIONALLY HIRE IN DECEMBER?
Look out for temporary jobs that might fall outside your professional sphere but help pay the bills! Extra visitors arrive over December, and there are many customer-facing jobs that need filling. It’s not ideally what you want, but it’s temporary, and you get to network. Use every opportunity. Certain industries always recruit in December, like finance. The financial sector often looks for new hires during December in readiness for the new tax season. Again, check your targeted list and see who is hiring – even if it’s a short-term contract.
DOES YOUR CV HAVE THE WOW FACTOR?
Does your CV need an overhaul? If you aren’t getting interviews, look at what you are including in your CV. It needs to be tailored to each organisation, and very clear about what you are offering and why they should take you to the interview stage. I
have spoken to so many job seekers over 2024, telling me their CV is fine, but they haven’t had an interview or very few versus the number of applications. A recruiter will always read your CV first, so never send the same CV to every organisation and spend time creating the ‘wow’ factor in your introduction so they will want to read further.
GO TO AS MANY EVENTS AS YOU CAN
Networking in December is easy! So many events covering every topic and it doesn’t just have to be about your career or job search. If your partner or friend needs a plus one for their Christmas event, go along. Have your elevator pitch ready so that if anyone asks what you do, you can confidently summarise what you are looking for. Be laid back, enjoy the conversations and network, network, network! If you are an introvert, big deep breaths and find a few people talking, someone sitting on their phone (probably equally struggling) or standing in an open circle and go and join them. Just introduce yourself and listen - you don’t have to be the storyteller in the group.
WHERE CAN YOU UPSKILL?
Take this time to review where you are in your job journey and start with having a ‘friendly view’ of the people doing the job you want in your targeted organisations. Can you match their skills? What experience do they have? Any tools they use that you could benefit from learning? Where can you upskill? For some of you, going back to full-time education might be the way forward and you will have a few months to get your application in for the relevant university or school.
If this year has been tough on you and your job search, think about what resources you can use to increase your chances. And remember, new year, new you! 2025 will be the year you land your dream job, and I’m here to support you. THE-INTL
LESLEA PETERSEN CEO OF ENGLISH JOB DENMARK
Leslea Petersen is the CEO of English Job Denmark, an organization dedicated to coaching professionals and businesses in retaining international talent. Originally from Britain, Leslea moved to Denmark 16 years ago, marrying into Viking heritage. With over 20 years of communications experience in both business and not-for-profit sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Leslea is deeply passionate about helping organisations navigate the complexities of international recruitment and fostering a diverse workplace. Her commitment to excellence has made her a prominent figure in the Danish job market.
LinkedIn www.englishjobdenmark.dk info@englishjobdenmark.dk
MAKING DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY OUR NEW NORM
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS / EUROPEAN COMMISSION TEXT ANNA PAWLOWICZ
DDIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY IS the practice of designing digital products and services in a way that allows people of all abilities to access, navigate and use them effectively. Most of us may associate digital accessibility with designing for individuals with disabilities, but in fact, everyone benefits from accessible products. Voice recognition (like Siri or Alexa), captions and subtitles (like those we use on Netflix), or autocorrect were all designed for people with disabilities and have since become features most of us use daily.
WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN ACCESSIBILITY ACT?
To make products and services more accessible to all, the EU introduced the European Accessibility Act (EEA) - a new directive aiming to improve the functioning of the market for accessible products and services with consistent rules for all EU Member States. Coming into force on 28 June 2025, the EEA requires all companies with more than ten employees or an annual turnover of more than €2 million to be compliant with its regulations. The EEA covers a multitude of sectors, including telecommunications, banking services, e-commerce, transportation, and digital products like websites, computers and smartphones.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS TO ACCESSIBILITY WILL THE EEA INTRODUCE?
Businesses required to comply with the EEA can consider this directive as a strategic activity to make their products and services available to a much larger market.
There are plenty of improvements in accessibility the EEA will bring, including these:
■ ATMs will need to include features like voice guidance, tactile keypads, and high-contrast displays, which will benefit individuals with visual or motor impairments.
■ Public transport will become easier to use, with ticketing machines or real-time travel displays needing to be adapted (audio announcements and large fonts will become mainstream).
■ Digital books or e-readers will need to include alternative formats with adjustable font sizes or text-to-speech options, benefiting readers with dyslexia or blindness.
■ Online education platforms and e-learning tools will need to incorporate features like keyboard navigation, transcripts or adjustable font, making learning accessible to students with conditions affecting their vision, hearing or motor skills.
The above examples have clear benefits for individuals with conditions classified as disabilities, but it’s important to consider that most of us will appreciate the adjustments just as much:
■ An ATM with voice guidance may be helpful for a mother with a baby in her arms, who will now be able to withdraw cash without having to touch the screen.
■ Audio announcements on public transport may make travel through the city easier for children, the elderly, or anyone who cannot monitor the display on a train screen due to a crowded carriage.
■ Text-to-speech options in digital books will benefit those perfecting their language skills, giving opportunities to simultaneously read and listen to books in foreign languages.
■ Those of us who enjoy online classes will find that digitally accessible e-learning will make learning more enjoyable and available in many environments, such as low-light spaces.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS IF THE EEA IMPACTS YOUR BUSINESS?
Improved digital accessibility will make life easier for millions of people and benefit businesses creating and distributing digital products and services in Denmark and internationally.
According to these guidelines from the European Commission, businesses required to comply with the new regulations will need to ensure that their products and services comply with the EEA from 28 June 2025. To check if the directive impacts your business, it’s worth reviewing national laws and regulations as well as EEA requirements applicable to your country.
Additionally, completing a digital accessibility audit of your products and services will be a meaningful step towards compliance – and one that will likely open new opportunities for your services to be purchased and used more widely.
By embracing the European Accessibility Act and making digital accessibility our new norm, we unlock a world where inclusion is not just a legal requirement but a shared advantage - benefiting individuals and businesses alike.
If you have questions about this topic or article, we’re here to answer them. You’re welcome to contact me (anna@wearehumankind.dk). THE-INTL
"IMPROVED DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY WILL MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AND BENEFIT BUSINESSES CREATING AND DISTRIBUTING DIGITAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN DENMARK AND INTERNATIONALLY."
ANNA PAWLOWICZ FOUNDER AND CEO & CO-FOUNDER OF HUMANKIND
Hailing from Poland and the UK, Anna is the Founder and CEO & cofounder of HumanKind, a consultancy focused on driving disability inclusion in the workplace and in our society. Anna's mission to foster disability inclusion started with the birth of her son, who lives with a physical disability and autism.
LinkedIn www.wearehumankind.dk
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT: A HEALTHY START TO 2025
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT ALEXANDRA BECK
AAS THE HOLIDAY season approaches, the hunt for the perfect gift begins. We scour shops, browse online, and ponder for hours over what will make our loved ones light up on Christmas morning. But this year, let’s consider a different kind of gift—one that isn’t wrapped in shiny paper or topped with a glittery bow. Let’s talk about the gift of health, accountability, and a fresh start in 2025.
This isn’t your typical “New Year, New You” pep talk. It’s not about setting lofty, unattainable goals that crash and burn by Valentine’s Day. It’s about small, intentional steps toward a healthier lifestyle - whether for yourself or someone you care about. And it’s about acknowledging that the most meaningful gifts are often those that truly transform lives.
GIFTING YOURSELF: A FRESH START
Before we dive into how you can gift health to others, let’s talk about you. Yes, you - because who says you can’t be on your own Christmas list?
A healthy start to 2025 doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire life come January 1st. It’s not about tossing out every carb in your pantry or committing to six-hour gym sessions. It’s about setting the tone for the year with realistic, achievable changes that fit your lifestyle.
Maybe it’s signing up for a weekly outdoor workout group where the focus isn’t on how fast you can run but on showing up and moving your body, or investing in a fitness membership where someone else does the planning for you (because, let’s be honest, you’re busy enough). Perhaps it’s finally booking that body composition analysis you’ve been curious about - because knowledge is power, and understanding where you’re starting can be the motivation you need to move forward.
This isn’t about guilt or punishment for holiday indulgences. It’s about recognising your worth and investing in yourself. And trust me, you’re worth it.
GIFTING SOMEONE ELSE: THE POWER OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Now, imagine being the person who gives a loved one the gift they didn’t even realise they needed - an accountability partner in fitness.
We’ve all seen it: the friend who’s been talking about “getting back into shape” for months, the colleague who sighs about their lack of energy, or the sibling who’s always last on their priority list. What if this Christmas, instead of the usual bottle of wine or pair of socks, you gave them something that says, “I see you, and I want to support you”?
It could be as simple as gifting a few personal training sessions or a membership to a small group class where they’ll be encouraged, not intimidated. Or maybe it’s as fun and informal as committing to being their workout buddy - showing up for them (and yourself) a couple of times a week to sweat it out together.
The beauty of accountability is that it doesn’t just benefit the recipient. When you commit to showing up for someone else,
you’re also committing to yourself. And there’s no better way to strengthen relationships than through shared goals and a little mutual encouragement.
HEALTH ISN’T ALL OR NOTHING
One of the reasons people shy away from fitness-related gifts is the fear of coming across as judgmental or pushing someone into a health overhaul they’re not ready for. But here’s the thing: health doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
It’s not about going from couch potato to marathon runner in a month. It’s about taking the first step, no matter how small. That first step might be a restorative stretching class to ease tension and improve mobility. It might be a twice-weekly strength class designed for all fitness levels or a bodyweight workout you can do at home.
By focusing on gifts that encourage progress - not perfection - you’re giving the people you love the freedom to explore what works for them. And if you’re still worried about how your gift will be received, frame it as an invitation: “I thought we could try this together,” or “This sounded like something we’d both enjoy.”
WHY IT MATTERS
At its core, the idea of gifting health is about more than exercise or nutrition. It’s about saying, “I care about your well-being, and I want to see you thrive.” It’s about giving yourself or someone else the tools to build confidence, energy, and strength - not just for the year ahead, but for life.
So, this Christmas, consider stepping outside the box (or the gift bag). Whether it’s a membership, a class, or simply a promise to show up, the gift of a healthy start to 2025 could be the most thoughtful and impactful gift you give - or receive - this year.
And hey, if it comes with a side of post-workout coffee and a few laughs, even better. Because health isn’t just about what you do; it’s about who you do it with and how it makes you feel. Here’s to a year of showing up, lifting each other up, and making the most of every step forward. THE-INTL
"IT’S
NOT ABOUT GOING FROM COUCH POTATO TO MARATHON RUNNER IN A MONTH. IT’S ABOUT TAKING THE FIRST STEP, NO MATTER HOW SMALL."
ALEXANDRA BECK
PERSONAL TRAINER & NUTRITION COACH
Alex is a Swiss/Brit mom and wife who has lived in Copenhagen since 2009. She switched from corporate life in communications to the independent life of an outdoor personal and group fitness trainer. She coaches people of all ages and fitness levels to find fun and consistency in movement through individual and group workouts. Delivering entertainment and spreading group fitness magic is her superpower. Alex encourages you to high-five her if you see her in the capital!
@alexbeck.fit
@alexbeck.fit alexbeck.fit
HYGGE CHRISTMAS
AN EXPAT'S GUIDE TO FESTIVE CONNECTION IN COPENHAGEN.
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT OPHELIA WU
AAS THE DAYS grow shorter and the Danish winter settles in, expats in Copenhagen might find themselves longing for the familiar comforts of home during the holiday season. Christmas can be lonely, especially if you don't have a Danish connection here. Yet, this vibrant city offers unique opportunities to craft your festive traditions, embracing the Danish concept of hygge while adding your personal touch to the celebrations.
CRAFTING YOUR OWN GATHERING
For many expats, the absence of an invitation to a traditional Danish julefrokost can feel isolating. But why wait for an invitation when you can create your own memorable gathering? Copenhagen's diverse culinary scene provides the perfect backdrop for designing a hygge-filled Christmas experience that resonates with your international roots.
■ Mother Restaurant: Italians are all about sharing and big gatherings. Start your festive meal at Mother Restaurant, where the spotlight is on their new Saltimbocca sandwich menu. Shaped like a ciabatta and baked to perfection in their wood-fired oven, the Saltimbocca sandwiches feature high-quality, seasonal ingredients imported directly from Italy. Choices include fillings like sausage with spinach, prosciutto, or Tuscan salami with ricotta and marinated peppers. Vegetarian and vegan options, such as goat cheese or braised fennel with tomatoes and basil, ensure there's something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for a hygge-filled gathering.
■ Sanchez: For those craving more spice and warmth in their holiday celebrations, Sanchez offers a vibrant Mexican-inspired setting. Imagine spending a cosy evening with friends, sharing tacos and small plates, with the restaurant's festive atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for creating new Christmas memories.
■ Jah Izakaya: If you're looking to completely reimagine your holiday feast, Jah Izakaya presents an opportunity to embrace Japanese-style dining. The small plates and sake create an intimate, cosy evening that aligns beautifully with the hygge philosophy.
■ Hot Pot Republic: Similarly, Hot Pot Republic offers an interactive dining experience where cooking together at the table
can warm both body and soul during the cold Danish winter - something very popular and heart-warming in Asia, especially among Chinese and Japanese.
ALTERNATIVE CELEBRATION IDEAS
Creating your own hygge Christmas isn't limited to dining out. Consider organising some alternative activities that promote connection and relaxation.
■ Sauna Gatherings: Renting a private sauna with friends can create a uniquely Nordic holiday experience. Share warm drinks and exchange stories in a cosy setting that fosters intimacy and relaxation.
■ Yoga & Pilates Christmas Get-Together: Gift someone a yoga class or membership and take them to classes together for some wellness fun. Combining movement with social connection, yoga or Pilates classes offer a rejuvenating way to celebrate the season, a new way to build a routine and meet new friends, too.
DIY FESTIVE TRADITIONS
The beauty of crafting your expat Christmas lies in the freedom to blend traditions.
■ Potluck Dinner: Host a potluck where each guest brings a dish from their home country. This multicultural feast celebrates diversity and allows everyone to share stories about their holiday traditions. What a great chance to learn more
about cultural diversity!
■ Virtual Connections: Set up video calls with family back home to share your Copenhagen Christmas experiences. This helps alleviate feelings of homesickness while including loved ones in your new traditions.
EMBRACING HYGGE
As you navigate the holiday season away from home, remember that the essence of hygge is about creating warmth and connection. Be open to new experiences and friendships. Join expat groups on social media, look for international community events, and don't hesitate to initiate gatherings yourself.
Denmark offers countless opportunities to find joy during the holiday season. By thinking outside the box and embracing the city's diverse offerings, you can create a Christmas experience that's uniquely yours. Whether you're sharing tacos at Sanchez or enjoying a hot pot feast with friends, remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the connections we make and the warmth we create together.
This holiday season, let Denmark or whichever city you're in be your canvas for crafting new traditions and building a community that feels like home. After all, hygge isn't just a Danish concept – a feeling of cosiness and contentment that knows no cultural boundaries. So gather your fellow expats, explore the city's festive offerings, and create a hygge Christmas you'll cherish for years. THE-INTL
"AS
YOU NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AWAY FROM HOME, REMEMBER THAT THE ESSENCE OF HYGGE IS ABOUT CREATING WARMTH AND CONNECTION. "
WU FASHION CONSULTANT AND JOURNALIST
Ophelia is a dynamic fashion professional with roots in Hong Kong, a decade in London, and a home in Copenhagen since 2019. With a profound background and passion for fashion, beauty, interiors, and travel, she balances the bustle of everyday life with spirituality, wellness, and mindfulness, embracing Scandinavian culture through a global lens.
Her fashion journey began in 2007 at ELLE Hong Kong as an editor and stylist, leading to roles at multiple publications and being a part of the global styling team at Net-A-Porter. com in the UK. She has worked with renowned brands such as Matches and Matas Beauty, styled icons including Michelle Yeoh and Victoria Beckham, and collaborated with esteemed names like De Beers, Chaumet, and the British Fashion Council to craft compelling campaigns. Today, guided by a conscious approach to life, she channels her expertise in fashion, beauty, and interiors into social media and communications that transcends borders for brands, all while enjoying the charm of slow countryside living in Denmark.
Ophelia Wu
Ophelia Wu
OPHELIA
360 LAW FIRM
TAILORING TEAMS TO CLIENTS’ NEEDS!
3360 LAW FIRM is a full-service Danish law firm that assists many companies in all legal and tax matters. They understand the need for innovation, safety, performance, compliance and other regulatory matters. Their clients are served by a One Point of Contact so that these clients do not need to devote resources to talking to many different specialists. This innovative legal services approach is offered to clients in all Nordic countries and beyond, handling legal differences in the local market consistently and cost-efficiently. They believe in collaboration and leadership. Everyone has a specific role in the team and is accountable for making the most out of their role and for taking ownership for development. For them, leadership is an enabler for nurturing the team, ensuring the right competencies, and serving colleagues to ensure maximum influence in their working day. They seem to aim for a culture of recognition and appreciation and the reward is great employee satisfaction.
Their team concept consists of team members from many different nationalities, which allows them to shape an organisation with many values and perspectives that other cultures can add - from Norwegian humour to Spanish temperament to Italian charm and with a Danish organisation at point. This approach helps their teams to reflect the culture of those who shape it.
DIFFERENT APPROACH
They use the analogy of a symphony to explain their unique approach. To produce a successful symphony, you cannot let the conductor play all instruments. You need to let the conductor lead the different experts on each instrument. They work as a team based on the individual’s competencies and wishes. They do not believe in the “one size fits all” approach. They believe
that if an employee has a special gift or a passion, it needs to be nurtured. Therefore, they select colleagues based on both competencies but also on their positive and accommodating approach.
This means that they have designed internal processes that ensure a common overview and that they can solve the tasks at hand in the right order. The positive side effect of this approach is that there is always a colleague with whom a task can be shared. How is this different?
● An assignment is passed on to the Playmaker.
● The Playmaker sets the best team together to solve the assignment and prioritises the order of the assignments.
● The assignment is solved by team members with the right competencies and best availability.
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE
360 LAW FIRM
In competitive working environments, large and mid-size companies face a wide range of legal issues and need access to different areas of legal competence to meet these needs. Traditionally, they have had two options: they can employ a legal
team of different specialists or use established external law firms as consulting services. Both approaches can be costly for a company. If it employs a team of specialist lawyers to cover all its legal needs, it is unlikely that these specialists will have enough tasks to justify the expense of employing them. This is why most companies have traditionally adopted an approach that combines employing legal counsel (to cover their general needs) with using external law firms for their specialised needs as and when they are needed.
The 360 Law Firm service approach seems to give companies all the advantages of one external team leader coordinating all their specialised legal needs as and when such needs occur. This unique approach seems to work for companies, who get their legal tasks covered competently and cheaper than either of the two traditional alternatives. At the same time, 360 Law Firm seems able to offer this service package at very competitive rates, thus creating a “win-win.”
360 Law Firm is a Copenhagen-based international law firm that was established in 2020 as an innovative approach to offering legal services. THE-INTL
MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OF OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS
Mariano has over 40 years global experience as a bus iness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, so far thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running Oxford Business Services ApS). He is a British citizen, who grew up in Kent, went to boarding school in Sussex and has a British university education. He has been married to a Dane for over 45 years and has held over 150 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty.
LinkedIn oxford-business.com
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES
PISTACHIO, CHOCOLATE AND LEMON SHORTBREAD
CLASSIC SHORTBREAD WITH A FLAVOUR TWIST JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTING.
PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT: NATASHA LIVIERO
SHORTBREAD
MAKES 24 TRIANGLES
INGREDIENTS:
10g lemon zest
60g castor sugar
130g unsalted butter, room temperature
130g flour
60g rice flour
30g dark chocolate, finely chopped (70%)
30g pistachios, finely chopped
A pinch of salt
Castor sugar for dusting
METHOD:
1. Set oven to 1700C/ 1500C fan.
2. Grease and line the base of 3 x 15cm springform cake tins.
3. Zest the lemons into the bowl of a stand mixer and rub into the sugar with your fingertips.
4. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with a paddle attachment.
5. Sift the different flours and add them to the butter mixture, together with the chocolate, pistachios, and salt.
6. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles sea sand.
7. With your hands, bring the dough together until it forms a soft, smooth ball. Do not overwork the dough.
8. Weigh the dough and divide it by three. Press each third into the cake tins and smooth the top with the back of a spoon for an even surface.
9. With the tines of a small fork, gently press into the dough around the sides of the tin.
10. Mark out eight triangles with a sharp knife, pricking each one with a fork a few times.
11. Rest the shortbread in the fridge for 15 minutes.
12. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until lightly browned.
13. Remove from the oven and cut through the marked slices, followed by a generous sprinkling of castor sugar. Rest for 5 minutes in the tin.
14. Gently remove the shortbread from the tins onto a cooling rack.
15. Once completely cooled, store the shortbread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
NOTES:
* IF YOU DON’T HAVE 15CM SPRINGFORM BAKING TINS, AT STEP 8 OF THE RECIPE, ROLL OUT THE DOUGH BETWEEN TWO PIECES OF BAKING PAPER TO A THICKNESS OF ABOUT 8MM AND REFRIGERATE UNTIL FIRM ENOUGH TO CUT ROUNDS/ TRIANGLES/SHAPES WITH A COOKIE CUTTER. PLACE ON A LINED BAKING TRAY AND REST IN THE FRIDGE FOR 15 MINUTES. BAKE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES OR UNTIL THE EDGES BEGIN TO TURN GOLDEN BROWN AND CONTINUE FROM STEP 13.
* IF THE SHORTBREAD IS NOT CRUNCHY ENOUGH, RETURN IT TO A 1000C OVEN AND DRY TO YOUR LIKING - THE LOW TEMPERATURE WILL NOT MELT THE SUGAR SPRINKLED ON TOP.
Natasha is a pastry chef who is South African by birth and Croatian by blood. She spent many years working for a wellness publication but did an aboutturn at the beginning of 2020 when she joined a culinary school to fulfil a lifelong dream to study patisserie. She’s passionate about European patisserie and loves spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes (while quibbling with her fe-line friends), and is always on the hunt for interesting new cookbooks.
@natashaliviero
NATASHA LIVIERO PASTRY CHEF
IIN MY LAST article, the focus was on teacher wellbeing, but I would be remiss if I did not advocate for the enormous and growing need for student wellbeing. It has been an issue for some time, but after COVID, it was placed centre stage. A student’s wellbeing focuses on their social, emotional, and academic welfare. This usually starts at home through the parenting and a loving environment provided. There needs to be a harmonious balance for a student to thrive and grow. This growth is then influenced by their educational environment and the relationships they hold with their peers and educators. Should there not be a positive alignment, their academic growth and their health are at risk of being negatively impacted, leading to a lack of learning, unhappiness, withdrawal and even poor mental health.
BUILDING A SAFE AND CARING COMMUNITY
It is important to create a sense of belonging through a welcoming environment and supportive learning community. The classroom should be inviting and encourage a student to come and engage in learning. The look and feel of actual physical space are important, but the driving factor is the educator and the vibes she/he create within the space and the relationship established between the teacher and the student. A student needs to feel wanted, valued, and respected, and this is developed through the daily dialogues and interactions that take place. This relationship is not always instant but is built over some time through mutual understanding and the development of trust between one another. It is also vital that the other members of the class are guided in the way they interact with each other to build upon the norms and expectations of the class group. This can be delivered through instructional programmes, but the key factor comes back to the educator. A modelling of the desired behaviour comes from the teacher/teachers with whom the students share time. And this is connected to the ethos
STUDENT WELL-BEING
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN
of a school.
A structured and disciplined classroom environment is important as it allows for learning to take place in an organised and well-prepared setting, where the goals and the instruction are clearly articulated and delivered, so it is not a fight against noise, friction, and general malaise. A situation where experimentation, error, and individuality are promoted encourages students to take risks, learn, and grow, not only academically but socially. Nurturing self-belief and self-confidence are vital in supporting student wellbeing, happiness, and good functionality.
HOMELIFE AND SELF-CARE
It is crucial for a child to have a happy and stable home life. A safe and loving environment is fundamental for a child to flourish. This places a great burden on parents, and it requires a lot of selflessness. The role of the extended family, as well as close family friends, can not be underestimated. Together, the group sustain a child’s psychological, cognitive, social and physical functioning and capabilities that a student
needs to live a happy and fulfilling life. A chaotic, dysfunctional home life bears serious consequences for a child. Sadly, there are numerous statistics and heart-breaking stories to evidence this.
A system of self-care needs to be instilled and supported through the pastoral system of the school and the family unit. A child does not instinctively deduce these aspects; instead, they need to be set out and reinforced by the school and family partnership.
A child needs to appreciate that a certain number of hours of sleep underpin wellness and good health. Parents should ensure, in earlier years, that a child needs approximately ten hours of sleep. Thus, a certain strictness regarding bedtimes is needed. As a student grows older, the responsibility is handed over to the individual, but a cautious eye to ensure temptations such as mobile devices, gaming toys, and curfew hours help to aid this process.
In addition to good sleeping patterns, healthy eating habits help to promote physical health and a positive state of mind. A range of nutritious food, homemade dishes, and a valuing of mealtimes promote respect and an understanding of the vital role food plays in sustaining motivation, positivity, and energy. A poorly nourished or hungry child is prone to ill health and, in the worst cases, a depressed child or one with eating disorders that can dog him or her for many years to come.
Exercise also plays a vital role in a child’s health and well-being. Daily exercise or physical activity through individual or team sports truly encourages a positive mindset, good social interactions, and an appreciation for life. In the same way creativity and music can also enrich a child’s life and instil a sense of personal happiness.
This article only touches on the surface of a child's needs. The complexity of the term well-being and its many facets require a much deeper investigation to truly extrapolate all the layers of meaning and influencing factors. THE-INTL
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING THROUGH A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT AND SUPPORTIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY."
MONIKA PEDERSEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR
Monika comes from the London area of the UK, where she worked in the state system and the international school system, as an English teacher of 11-18 students and then a high school principal. She has also worked in leadership roles in Germany and in Denmark. She has an overview of the British, International, American, and the Danish system. She has many years of experience and continues to enjoy the profession. She has relocated to Denmark with her Danish husband.
@monikapedersen
LinkedIn @monikapedersen
A SOUNDTRACK TO DECEMBER IN DENMARK
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD
EEVERY COUNTRY HAS their own Christmas music to accompany the season of joy, whether you love it or very quickly want to throw speakers out of each department store. But how well do you know the Danish soundtrack to December? Here are some tips on what you might end up hearing or even joining in with yourself.
JULEKALENDER
There are now so many years of Julekalender, that it is completely impossible to escape the Scandinavian Christmas phenomenon each day leading up to Christmas (I nearly wrote Danish here, but some double-checking informed me that the format is actually a Swedish import!). Some of these releases are also the origin of much of the Christmas music blasting at you. I En Stjerneregn Af Sne by Mads Langer is certainly a contender for most over-played Christmas song, but you’ll no doubt be humming it even if you're feeling Scrooge-like.
PIGEKORET
DR’s Girl’s Choir sing everything from contemporary hits to the classical hymns of choirs the world over. Their Christmas carols remain popular with a sense of nostalgia for years gone by for many. Their live Christmas concert from Copenhagen is another prominent point in the Christmas season and draws in crowds from across the country.
DANCING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
The tradition that raises eyebrows among those of us from more health and safety-conscious lands, dancing around a Christmas tree decked in lit candles, is a must-have part of any Danish Christmas. Danes have been doing it for over two hundred years, typically accompanied by even more singing. Højt fra træets grønne top is a popular sing-along, lasting the test of time since it was written all the way back in 1847.
SINGING ALONG?
My first Danish words were uttered while singing along, tipsily, to objectively quite awful 80s music at the end of a Julefrokost we were throwing. And maybe that doesn’t sound like a recipe for language success, but please read further and hear me out! Singing is a fun and relaxed activity, unlike just about any language class I have ever had to sit through. All you need is to be familiar enough with the tune and sounds, as you no doubt will be by the end of December with just about all Christmas music. Your mouth will then do the work for you! Hopefully, this will result in much less of the stumbling that typically accompanies attempts to match Danish words on paper with the tongue and throat contortion magic required to make the somehow corresponding sounds. At the time, I had no clue what my first words of Danish
meant, but my now-husband and our friends all agreed that they were acceptable (maybe the Christmas beer helped their ears be sympathetic?). So give in and sing along to some of the Danish Christmas music!
TRANSLATIONS
If even the Christmas beer and abundant aquavit won’t convince you to give speaking Danish a go, the great thing is that so much Christmas music is international. As well as classics available in English and popular across the world, some classics have been translated and spread around the world in an assortment of forms. Danish friends of mine have previously insisted that "Glade Jul, Dejlige Jul" is a Danish original, but it’s, in fact, a re-working of the Austrian “Stille Nacht”, known as Silent Night in English. Famous in Germany and the UK for being sung together in both languages by troops during the Christmas Truce of the First World War, it epitomises the Christmas spirit. Translated into 320 languages and dialects, you could do a very messy, very international sing-along to this tune. THE-INTL
"SINGING
IS A FUN AND RELAXED ACTIVITY, UNLIKE JUST ABOUT ANY LANGUAGE CLASS I HAVE EVER HAD TO SIT THROUGH."
HEATHER STORGAARD WRITER
Heather Storgaard comes from Northern Scotland, grew up in Switzerland, and lived in England and Germany. In 2017 she met her Danish husband, who proudly received British duel citizenship in 2024, and they now split their time between Central Scotland and Helgenæs, a peninsula in rural Eastern Jutland. Suitably for a Scot, Heather works with whisky, spending her time writing and translating, with a particular soft-spot for the up-and-coming world of Nordic Whisky.
heatherstorgaard
CHRISTMAS IS COMING...
ARE YOU READY FOR A DANISH CHRISTMAS?
CCHRISTMAS IS THE favourite hygge time for Danes, which is why they care a lot about preparation.
The Christmas spirit in Denmark begins right after Halloween. By November, the atmosphere quickly transforms into one of festive cheer. J-Day, a cherished Danish tradition, is a significant event that marks the start of the Christmas season. Christmas beer, known as juleøl (which gives J-Day its name), is officially released on this day. Bars throughout Denmark celebrate with lively parties, and many cities light up their Christmas decorations.
Another significant event is the opening of the Christmas markets, typically throughout Denmark, in mid-November. Like in many countries, Christmas markets create a wonderful festive atmosphere, filled with the aroma of julepølser, waffles, æbleskiver, and gløgg or punch, accompanied by Christmas carols and twinkling lights. Additionally, these markets provide an excellent opportunity to gather with family, friends, or colleagues.
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
Danish Advent is rich in tradition and involves various preparations for Christmas. Danes celebrate the arrival of Christmas by gradually lighting candles on Advent wreaths, opening Advent calendars, and unwrapping small gifts each day. One of my favourite customs is lighting a calendar candle with 24 segments –only one is burned daily. Candles are essential for creating a hygge atmosphere, so preparing many of them for Christmas in Denmark is essential.
The Danes begin decorating for Christmas relatively early in their homes. I must admit that this year, we also adopted the Danish tradition, and our Christmas tree has been shining since the beginning of November. A typical Danish Christmas decoration is red and white paper ornaments shaped like hearts, probably inspired by Hans Christian Andersen. Nutcrackers, Nisse, and an elf are essential
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS / UNSPLASH TEXT NATÁLIA ŠEPITKOVÁ
elements in Danish homes. Paper stars hanging in windows are also popular, often featuring lights inside.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Danes enjoy festive gatherings known as Julefrokost, celebrated with family, friends, and colleagues. At these parties, a traditional Danish dish called smørrebrød is commonly served. This consists of a slice of rye bread topped with various ingredients. Popular toppings include shrimp, smoked salmon, cheese, meat products, and vegetables. Additionally, salted, marinated, or smoked herring and æbleflæsk (pork belly cooked in apple sauce) are often found on the tables. For dessert, attendees can enjoy æbleskiver , apple doughnuts shaped like small balls, typically served with powdered sugar and jam. Of course, no Julefrokost would be complete without Christmas beer.
DANISH CUSTOMS
Danish pre-Christmas traditions include children's processions in white robes and holding candles in their hands on the feast of St. Lucia. These parades are often organised in schools and social service homes to bring light and joy during the darkest month of the year, as Danes experience only a few hours of daylight in December. The custom was adopted from Sweden on St. Lucia's Day and has been practised in Denmark since 1944. On this day, the Danes also bake Luciabrød, which are S-shaped leavened buns decorated with raisins.
Although Danes often say with a smile that their Christmas celebrations last a whole month, the main event occurs on the 24th of December. The entire family gathers to sit at the Christmas table. They come together to enjoy good food, pleasant conversations, the warm glow of candlelight, and the overall cosiness of the holiday season. Except for the main courses, dinner includes a traditional dish called Risalamande, a rice pudding. The person who finds a whole almond in their portion receives an extra gift. After the
Christmas dinner, the central part of the evening's festivities begins.
Many Danish families celebrate around a Christmas tree, typically a real tree, as Denmark is one of Europe's largest suppliers of Christmas trees. Around the tree, families often set up a flashlight train that plays the famous song "Jingle Bells." In Denmark, Julemanden (literally "Christmas Man") brings presents to children, assisted by the mischievous elf Nisse. Usually, a family member dresses up in costume to hand out the gifts. However, this is preceded by a cherished tradition: the family holds hands, dances around the tree, and sings Christmas carols.
Danish Christmas traditions often focus on values beyond the gifts under the tree. The Danes tend not to emphasise the quantity or originality of presents. For most Danish families, gifts hold symbolic meaning. Typical gifts include slippers, Christmas socks, pyjamas, cosmetic sets, or a Christmas lottery. While children receive some toys, parents typically stay moderate with the number of gifts. This approach teaches children that the true essence of Christmas lies in different values. If you want to experience a traditional Danish Christmas, rely on hygge, family well-being, home-cooked food and remember to wear Christmas socks (jule hyggesokker) and pyjamas (julenattøj).
Glædelig jul! THE-INTL
"DANISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS OFTEN FOCUS ON VALUES BEYOND THE GIFTS UNDER THE TREE."
NATÁLIA ŠEPITKOVÁ FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND WRITER
Natalia is a Slovak journalist based in Aalborg, Denmark. She has around 15 years of experience in journalism. Her experiences as an editor and a reporter were founded in Slovak magazines and newspapers. She was also working as a TV reporter, a TV moderator and a host in radio broadcasting. Part of her career included working with PR and marketing. Natália is also a content creator on her social media. Follow her blog www.mamavdansku.com, where she writes about life in Denmark.
LinkedIn @Mama v Dánsku
FINDING BELONGING IN WINTER:
INNER WORK AND CONNECTION FOR INTERNATIONALS.
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT FIONA L SMITH
WINTERS IN DENMARK can feel isolating, especially for those of us living far from home. Without the familiarity of places and people we know, it’s all too easy to feel alone or sad during the dark, colder days, especially if you’re at the start of your expat journey. So, how can we cultivate an inner sense of belonging and well-being to sustain us through winter and beyond?
WIT’S TIME TO GO INSIDE
Winter forces us to spend longer indoors, so surrender to this and use the time to slow down and go in a little more. We often think of belonging as having external connections and friendships, but it begins with feeling at home in ourselves. Winter is the perfect time for the inner work that nurtures self-acceptance and connection.
►PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION: Moving to a new country comes with both excitement and challenges. Meeting feelings of sadness or loneliness with kindness instead of self-criticism. Rather than giving yourself a hard time, allow a little space and time to acknowledge, feel and process these feelings. Journaling and writing affirmations like “I am enough, exactly as I am,” or “I’m a kind, loving person” can help develop self-compassion. Dancing or singing along to music that fits your mood helps to embody and process uncomfortable feelings.
►RECONNECT WITH YOUR VALUES: Belonging grows when we live in alignment with what matters most. Light a candle, put on some music and reflect on your core values. Are you prioritising them in your daily life? If creativity is important to you, make time for a craft or artistic practice. If movement is key, find a club or class where you can play sports or dance. Connecting with what feels meaningful makes us more rooted in our identity, even when far from home.
► EXPLORE SOMATIC PRACTICES: Feeling disconnected from your body often mirrors a sense of social disconnection. Grounding practices like breathwork, yoga, or a mindful winter walk can help you feel more present, more ‘here’. When we feel at home in our body, it’s easier to feel at home in the world.
BRINGING LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS
Darkness in winter offers time for deeper reflection. Reframe this season as an opportunity to grow and nurture your inner world.
►HYGGE AS A PRACTICE OF PRESENCE: Hygge is more than candles and blankets; it’s also a way to foster presence and connection. When sharing a meal with new friends or reading by the fire, tune into your body. What sensations are you aware of? Do you feel relaxation, warmth, or joy? Recognising these ‘glimmer’ moments and how our body feels offers us a resource we can return to and remember and builds our sense of belonging.
►BELONGING IN NATURE: Danish winters may be dark, but they’re also beautiful. Walks along an icy beach or through snow-covered forests remind us that belonging isn’t just about people it’s also about connection to the natural world.
STAYING CONNECTED TO SUPPORT
While building your new life, staying in touch with loved ones back home can ground you in a sense of continuity.
►SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK-INS AND SHARE YOUR JOURNEY: Share your experiences with friends back home. Often, we don’t want to worry people, so we avoid sharing the full picture, but it’s important to talk about both highs and lows—it strengthens relationships and helps you process the transition.
►ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT: There’s no shame in needing extra support in navigating expat life. If you're struggling, seek professional help through your doctor, a private coach, or a therapist. Growth, empowerment, and connection often emerge from times of struggle or pain when we have the right support.
REDEFINE BELONGING: EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
Holidays can amplify homesickness but also offer chances to deepen connections. Denmark’s concept of fællesskab - a shared sense of community - provides a framework for belonging.
►SEEK CIRCLES THAT FEEL LIKE HOME: Look for groups that share your interests, whether it’s an expat network, a hobby club, or a professional network.
►CREATE YOUR OWN TRADITIONS: Blend your own cultural traditions with Danish ones. For example, host a potluck evening with comfort foods from home alongside Danish treats like æbleskiver or gløgg. Dancing around the Christmas tree while singing songs from your country can be a fun way to merge traditions!
►GIVE AND RECEIVE WARMTH: Volunteering at a local charity during the holidays is a lovely way to give others who might also feel left out or lonely a sense of belonging.
FOCUS ON THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION
Belonging isn’t something we stumble upon after a few years; it’s something we build - inside ourselves, in our relationships, and our surroundings. Denmark’s winter, with its quiet nights and emphasis on hygge and staying in, offers unique opportunities to explore what belonging really means.
Hopefully, this mix of inner work and intentional connection creates an embodied knowing that belonging isn’t tied to a place - it’s something we get to cultivate and carry with us, wherever we are. THE-INTL
"WE OFTEN THINK OF BELONGING AS HAVING EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS AND FRIENDSHIPS, BUT IT BEGINS WITH FEELING AT HOME IN OURSELVES."
FIONA L SMITH SOMATIC THERAPIST AND COACH
Fiona is a Somatic Therapist and Coach, with a clinic in Frederiksberg and online. Specialising in trauma healing, nervous system regulation, and holistic wellness, Fiona is passionate about helping women move beyond burnout, people-pleasing, and anxiety or pain to rebuild confidence, ease and empowerment. Originally from the UK, Fiona is mum to a 13-year-old son and step-mum to 17-year-old twins. She loves wild walks with her dog and winter dipping (with sauna!) She thrives on good food and a good book, wild dance, and time in the sun.
Fiona L Smith
Fiona L Smith
Fiona L Smith
Fiona L Smith
