Felicity Long
Let's face it, winter can be gloomy. Daylight is in short supply, it's cold — depending, of course, on where you live — and spring seems depressingly far away.
But Nordic countries face winter with a completely different mindset — and, after all, they know a thing or two about dark and cold.
Case in point, Norway, which goes all in on turning the season — especially the upcoming holidays — into something magical and fun.
According to VisitNorway, the festivities last at least through the end of the year, but the sparkle continues throughout the darkest months.
In December, visitors can enjoy seasonal traditions throughout the country, where the streets are lit up like, well, a Christmas tree, and fairs and markets beckon.
Some holiday markets are simple affairs with local crafts and food for sale, while others are more robust, with Ferris wheels, carousels, ice-skating and entertainment for the whole family.
What to buy at holiday markets
As to what to buy, especially if you're looking for traditional gifts to bring home, ceramics, Christmas tree ornaments, specialty foods and clothing rank among the most popular picks.
Speaking of clothing, VisitNorway highlights the famous Selbuvotter (Selbu mittens), which have a long and storied history. For example, during WWII, wearing the mittens was considered an act of resistance, while the fact that most have historically been hand-knitted by women offered them a path to financial independence during a time when those opportunities were scarce. Interestingly, while the knitting pattern was developed in the 1800s, the mittens have never gone out of style, and if you look closely at Norwegian athletes during Winter Olympics competitions, you'll often spot them as an unofficial part of the uniform.
Norway also has it very own Santa, called Fjosnissen, whom visitors can meet "in person" at the holiday fairs -- held in the open-air folk museums in Oslo or Lillehammer. Unlike our version of the jolly old elf, Fjosnissen isn't particularly rotund and is a self-described prankster who is more likely to offer you his trademark porridge than to dole out presents.
Norwegians also acknowledge the Santa Claus we're more familiar with, and he has an official post office in the little village of Drobak, outside Oslo. Here you can visit Tregaardens Christmas House and post your Christmas cards and wish lists directly to Santa.
Season for sweet treats and hearty meals
Meanwhile, foodies can sample traditional pepperkaker (gingerbread cookies), pretty much anywhere in Norway, but for a look at a complete gingerbread town — billed as the world's largest — head to Bergen, where locals, including schoolchildren, bake and arrange the components of the miniature town. Here you'll see landmark buildings, trains, cars and even boats — all made of gingerbread.
Or take a break from the sweets to sample other seasonal dishes like pinnekjott (lamb), ribbe (pork) lutefisk (a lye-soaked traditional fish) and pickled herring.
Finally, consider moving farther afield from Oslo and Bergen to some of Norway's other appealing destinations.
Trondheim, for example, is a big city that somehow retains a cozy atmosphere, while Roros, Lillehammer and Tromso are probably your best chances to see snow.
For more ideas on things to do in Norway, check out VisitNorway.