Every year, around one million Norwegians gather around their television sets to watch NRK's enchanting Christmas Eve special, "Kvelden før Kvelden." This beloved tradition is not just about entertainment; it's about creating the perfect festive atmosphere just before the big day. Hosted by Kåre Magnus Bergh and Marte Stokstad, the show aims to bring joy and togetherness to viewers across the nation.
Typically aired on December 23, "Kvelden før Kvelden" is pre-recorded to accommodate the busy schedules of its featured guests and performers, many of whom are traveling for Christmas celebrations. Interestingly, even though the hosts present the show as if it's happening live, the program is taped well before Christmas Eve.
According to Erik Solbakken, one of the guest stars for this year's special, the secret of the show's early production is not widely known. "It is a little secret, yes, don’t tell anyone," he chuckled when asked about the timing of the taping. He candidly stated, "It is quite rare for such programs to be broadcast live. When I arrived at the studio, the festive spirit was infectious, vibrant, and abundant. Despite the December chill outside, it felt very much like Christmas inside the studio!"
The program features several appearances from popular Norwegian artists such as Åge Aleksandersen and Emma Steinbakken, also showcasing Susanne Sundfør. Linn Skåber, Ine Jansen, Rune Gokstad, and Øystein Bache will join the show for festive games and cheer, including the much-anticipated holiday quiz.
Camilla Øyen Langfeldt, the responsible journalist behind “Kvelden før Kvelden,” expressed her delight to Nettavisen about the show's impact on viewers. She emphasized the challenge of live recordings during the Christmas season. "We strive to create a warm and collective experience, but many of our artists have already returned home by little Christmas Eve. Therefore, we often need to pre-record the program to feature all the wonderful talent we want to have on board," she explained.
On the show, viewers can look forward to festive experimentation as well. Andreas Wahl, known for his scientific insights, brings practical experiments to the kitchen. His segments focus on using simple household items to create fun and engaging projects for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday season.
"I appreciate simplicity and immediacy, where no need exists for elaborate equipment," Wahl noted. "These are things I believe people already have at home, especially during Christmas time." His experiments include DIY demonstrations to surprise family and friends, encouraging sustainability by making gifts from items already lying around the house.
Margrete Røed, the other co-host, chimed in as well, saying, "It’s just about using things we have around us and asking ourselves, ‘What can I create with this?’" She passionately promotes minimizing excess consumption by crafting presents from everyday materials instead of buying new products.
Throughout the evening, tips and tricks fill the airwaves, merging traditional cooking with innovative gift-making. The duo encourages families to spend less time glued to their screens and more time creating magic together. "I believe it makes the waiting time more rewarding," Røed smiled.
Whether turning old clothes hangers and wooden boards from the garage to furniture, repurposing jars as spice holders, or framing cherished toys with creative flair, the show aims to inspire creativity and resourcefulness this holiday season.
For those who want to dazzle their holiday gatherings with food, Christopher Haatuft is another guest contributing to this festive tradition on screen. He prepares some mouthwatering dishes like ribbe with “rosenkål” (Brussels sprouts) and honey mustard sauce. His take on tender ‘sweet and sour ribbe’ is reminiscent of takeout delights, making it relatable to audiences in New York and beyond. Each culinary creation fuses Norwegian flavors with global inspirations, demonstrating the unique heritage of Norwegian Christmas traditions.
Meanwhile, CNN meteorologist Kristian Gislefoss offers cheerful weather insights, confirming sunny skies for Agder this year. "It's going to be beautiful, really beautiful, with temperature highs between 3 to 4 degrees Celsius along the coast!" he noted enthusiastically.
The upcoming broadcast of "Kvelden før Kvelden" promises to be more than just entertainment; it reaffirms the values of community, creativity, and the spirit of coexistence amid festive cheer, making it clear why so many Norwegians hold this program close to their hearts.
