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St. Martin's Day

This holiday always fell on the 10th of November and featured roasted goos, duck or some other sort of poultry. It was a very festive evening for everyone that resided in the house.

Christmas Eve

On this evening we took our dinner by candlelight in the middle of the afternoon. We'd be lighting two candles at the table even though we could see perfectly by just using one. Once the meal had finished, Mother would hand out 3-4 æbleskiver and a small piece of cake. Everyone also got a bit of cheese and meat so after a while it turned into a bit of a platefull. The dog was then brought in and each of us proceeded to give it a little something from each of our plates. He ended up receiving a sizable meal and was then tied up outside again. We then sang one or two Christmas songs and then cleared the table leaving only the lit candles. The Christmas tree was then lit in the sitting room and once that was done it was time to get the cards out and see if you had enough nuts left over from Nutday. If people were out then Mother would have to get her bag of Pebbernødder/ginger cookies and we'd each recieve a handful.   

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Christmas Bonus

Each farmhand, both boy and girl, as well as the blacksmith received a Christmas Bonus consisting of a loaf of rye bread and a wheat cake. They in return took these and brought them home to give to their mothers, if they had one or to the women who did their laundry and mended their clothes. For their services these women would generally receive a wage of 4-6 crowns. 

New Years Eve (New Years Eve)

This day was held in the same esteem as Christmas and celebrated in much the same manner. However, there was a greater focus on good food good drink and a bit of fun.

Twelfth Night

Held in equal esteem with good traditions. However, we needed to light three candles and place them on the table for the entire night. 

Driving maneur

There were always two or three peasants that would help each other when driving maneur which usually happened between sowing season and harvest time. the man as well as the boys would drive the cart while the farmhands loaded and the girls would spread it out.