Danes celebrate Juleaften (Christmas Eve) on the evening of the 24th of December.

The home has been decorated with christmas decorations and the christmas tree has been bought and decorated.

Food

On Juleaften the family gather to enjoy their christmas roast which will usually be either flæskesteg (roast pork) or roast duck. This is served with boiled potatoes, pickled red cabbage, brown sauce and a multitude of accompliments.

For pudding is served Ris a la Mande (Almond Rice Pudding). It sounds French but is very Danish. It is basic rice pudding mixed with whipped cream, vanilla and chopped almonds.

One almond is kept whole when mixed in the pudding and the one that finds the almond will win Mandelgaven (The Almond Present).

The Christmas Tree

After the meal the family join hands and dance around the christmas tree whilst singing christmas songs.

Then presents are exchanged!

The days after Juleaften people meet up with the extended family and friends and enjoy christmas lunches and exchanging presents.