Let’s face it – spending the holiday season abroad can come with some surprises, especially in a country as custom-rooted as Denmark. The flood of mandatory cheer can bring on waves of homesickness, and in the absence of familiar traditions, the sheer presence of pickled herring or rødkål (red cabbage) are enough to leave any expat ready to flee for familiar shores.
Here to brighten the season and demystify some of those classic Danish traditions is The Copenhagen Post’s Family Christmas Party, inviting holiday enthusiasts young and old to gather around the Christmas tree. Also hosted by Expat in Denmark and DTU, the festivities aim to bring together families both from around the globe and around Copenhagen.
As is often true the world over, the kids run the show at this celebration. On the agenda for them – and also for those looking to bring the festive fare home – is a workshop in DIY decoration making. Haven’t mastered seasonal tongue-twisters like ‘glædelig jul’ quite yet? Not to worry – instructions will be provided both in English and Danish. And what would any Christmas party be without a special guest from up north? He’ll be stopping by later in the afternoon to dole out surprises to all the young expats.
But it’s not just about Santa coming to town, suggests Lise Thomsen, the head of Expat in Denmark. For Thomsen, the party is an important chance for Copenhagen’s international community to blur the lines between work and socialising, expats and locals.
“For Expat in Denmark, it is important to support an event like the Christmas party because it’s a way to give the whole family a possibility to network and enjoy themselves – in good company with other families in Denmark,” Thomsen said.
“At the same time, they get an introduction to Danish Christmas ‘specialities’ like æbleskiver and glögg and other traditional treats.” With snacks, mingling and networking, the afternoon is shaping up to be a triple threat.
Between chowing down and chatting, guests are invited to enter the raffle for a few extra stocking stuffers or enjoy the sounds of a holiday choir. And if all the other festivities still can’t inspire the holiday spirit, other spirits are available at the Marriott bar.
Attendees from last year attest that this annual party isn’t one to pass up. “The Copenhagen Post Christmas party was good fun last year with great food, fun activities for kids and great opportunities to meet other expats,” recalls Gaby Lewin, who is busy overseeing the PR and marketing for the Copenhagen Theatre Circle’s January pantomime Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp. But is she too busy to make an appearance this year? “Santa even made an appearance!” Looks like she is sold.
With something for everyone, this event is sure to be a hit once again for natives and internationals from one to 100. So join the veterans and newcomers alike in bringing a bit of international flavour to Denmark’s holiday hygge.
Family Christmas Party
Marriott Hotel, Kalvebrod Brygge 5, Cph V; Sun 14:00-17:00; free adm, sign up at christmas@cphpost.dk
