Our celebration of Christmas borrows customs from many lands and sources. The time of Christmas and of many ancient celebrations is the winter solstice – the darkest days of the year followed by very cold weather in the northern latitudes. Weather that makes people come together and work with each other to survive. Two ancient celebrations are the Scandinavian Jul (Yule) and the Gothic Noel. Both predated Christianity. Each served practical purposes and inspired some good parties. In this message Rob Pallme will describe spending Jul with his wife’s Norwegian family. He will recount how old traditions blended with modern conveniences to create a good time in a bad season.