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2. dec.9 min læsning

What is Julebord?

Julebord
Julebord

The Christmas season is one of the most eagerly anticipated times of the year in Norway, filled with family gatherings, festive celebrations, and unique traditions. One of the most popular and widely celebrated traditions in Norway is the "julebord," a festive Christmas dinner that brings together colleagues, friends, and loved ones for a joyous time of feasting and merriment. In this article, we'll explore what julebord is, the customs surrounding it, and how Time2Staff can help you organize the perfect holiday event with top-quality staff, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

A julebord is more than just a Christmas party in Norway—it's an institution. Literally translating to "Christmas table," a julebord is a traditional Norwegian Christmas feast typically held at work, with friends, or in social settings. These gatherings are central to the Norwegian holiday season and take place throughout December, leading up to Christmas Eve.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

The julebord is a time to relax, celebrate the year that’s passed, and indulge in delicious food and drinks. The spread usually includes a variety of traditional Norwegian dishes such as ribbe (pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (dried and salted lamb ribs), lutefisk (dried fish soaked in lye), and an array of appetizers, salads, and desserts. Norwegian cheeses, smoked salmon, and herring often make an appearance, while a warm, spiced drink known as gløgg (similar to mulled wine) helps set the festive mood.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

It’s not just about the food, though. Julebord is a time for colleagues to bond outside of work, families to reconnect, and friends to share in the joy of the season. The tradition is so ingrained in Norwegian culture that nearly every workplace, from small businesses to large corporations, hosts its own julebord. These events are a key part of what makes the Norwegian Christmas season so special.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

In the workplace, the julebord is often a highly anticipated event. For many companies in Norway, hosting a julebord is an opportunity to celebrate employee achievements and thank staff for their hard work throughout the year. However, it’s not all business—it’s also about creating memories and strengthening relationships in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Here’s a closer look at what typically happens at work julebord:find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

The food plays a central role at any julebord. A traditional work julebord often features a lavish buffet where employees can indulge in various holiday dishes. From the rich, tender pork ribs (ribbe) to the hearty lamb ribs (pinnekjøtt), every item is carefully prepared and served to delight the guests.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

While not always a requirement, many workplaces also incorporate a small gift exchange as part of the julebord. Employees may exchange gifts, often with a humorous or light-hearted twist. The exchange helps foster goodwill and fellowship among colleagues.

A glass of gløgg or a bottle of Norwegian beer is often raised during the evening’s festivities. The occasion is usually marked by speeches, toasts, and a general spirit of celebration. It’s common for the boss or manager to give a speech, reflecting on the year’s successes, acknowledging hard work, and sharing hopes for the upcoming year.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

Work julebords may also feature entertainment such as live music, dancing, or even games. It’s a time to let loose, enjoy some lighthearted fun, and forget about the pressures of the workplace. Whether it's singing Christmas carols together or playing festive games, there's always a chance to bring some extra joy into the night.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

Another unique aspect of the julebord is that many employees dress up for the occasion. Men might wear suits or festive attire, while women often wear elegant dresses. The event has a somewhat formal atmosphere, making it feel like a special night out, even though it’s hosted at the workplace.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff


While the workplace julebord is an important part of the holiday season, Norwegian families also celebrate with their own festive traditions at home.

At home, the julebord takes on a slightly different form. Instead of a large party atmosphere, it’s a more intimate gathering of family members. The meal typically includes many of the same dishes found at work julebords—ribbe, pinnekjøtt, and a variety of other hearty dishes.

In addition to these savory options, Norwegian Christmas dinner often includes a rich selection of desserts such as risengrynsgrøt (rice porridge), which is sometimes served with a hidden almond. Tradition dictates that the person who finds the almond in their serving will be blessed with good luck in the year ahead.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

Norwegian families also have a tradition of baking special Christmas cookies, or julekaker, which are enjoyed throughout the holiday season. These cookies come in many varieties, from pepperkaker (gingerbread cookies) to krumkake (thin, crispy cookies) and sirupssnipper (spicy syrup cookies). Baking and decorating these treats is a fun family activity that helps create lasting memories during the holiday season.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

In Norway, the Christmas season is often marked by outdoor activities, especially in the snow-covered landscapes. Families might go ice skating, skiing, or take a walk through a winter wonderland to enjoy the peacefulness of the holiday season. This connection to nature and outdoor life is an essential part of Norwegian Christmas traditions.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

While the julebord is a key feature of the season, julaften (Christmas Eve) is the most significant day in Norwegian Christmas traditions. Families gather for a festive dinner, followed by the opening of presents. The evening culminates in attending a church service or simply enjoying each other’s company in the warmth of home.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

How Time2Staff can help you organize your Julebord

Planning a julebord, whether for a company event or a festive gathering with friends, can be a daunting task. From arranging the perfect venue to ensuring there’s enough food and drink to go around, there’s a lot to consider. That’s where Time2Staff comes in. We specialize in providing top-notch event staff for holiday celebrations, ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch.

At Time2Staff, we understand the importance of making your julebord a memorable and smooth experience. That’s why we offer a digital solution in the Time2Staff app to find staff to cater to your every need. From waiters and chefs to bartenders, cleaners, and housekeepers, our team can handle all aspects of your event, leaving you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Every julebord is unique, and we take pride in tailoring our staffing solutions to fit the specific needs of your event. Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate gathering or a grand company-wide celebration, Time2Staff will provide the right mix of experienced professionals to make your julebord unforgettable.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

Planning an event should be exciting, not stressful. Time2Staff handles all of the logistical details so you don’t have to worry about the finer points. We have a lot of well trained staff that is easy to choose in the app whenever they apply for a job. You can quickly review CVs and approve those you consider to be the best match. In the Time2Staff app you can find waiters, chefs, dishwashers, housekeepers, bartenders, cleaners, event crew, head waiters, head chefs and sous chefs. From coordinating staff schedules to ensuring that everything runs on time, we’ll make sure your julebord is a seamless and enjoyable experience.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

In addition to julebord, we also specialize in organizing New Year’s Eve events. We provide staff to sophisticated banquets, to casual get-togethers. Our team is equipped to provide exceptional service for any type of holiday event. You can rely on Time2Staff to help you ring in the New Year with style and ease.find job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to stafffind job in Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

At Time2Staff, we’re proud to be part of your holiday celebrations, offering professional staffing services to ensure your event is flawless. From the moment you start planning to the last guest leaves, we’ll take care of everything, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones and colleagues.

Ready to make your julebord unforgettable? Contact Time2Staff today, and let us handle the details so you can celebrate in style!n Norway jobs in Norway Time2Staff timetostaff time 2 staff time to staff

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