Elisabeth Tveito Johnsen

Schools and TV programmes are important in shaping children and communities. In the Nordic countries, schools and broadcasters are frequently tasked…

Christmas is the most important celebration of the year in the Nordic countries, but it is celebrated in a way that goes beyond its original Christian origins. It develops in areas that are not religious per se, such as in shopping centres, schools and in public and private broadcasting. These non-religious spaces become bearers of cultural traditions and religion. Christmas, like religion, is often considered to be something fixed and defined that can be imposed on others. In fact, it is messy, multifaceted, pluralistic and in constant movement, as well as being frequently up for negotiation.