23 December: "I think Christmas has become more commercial"
Vibhuti Bhushan is international coordinator and from India, but celebrates a traditional Danish Christmas.
The Omnibus Advent Calendar:
The Advent calendar is a treasured Danish Christmas tradition. In many families, kids get to open a small gift each day all December until Christmas Eve, when Christmas is celebrated.
Our small holiday gift to you is a chance to meet one of AU’s many international students and employees every day until Christmas.
All 24 will share where they’re spending Christmas this year, their favorite (and least favorite) Christmas traditions from their home countries, and what’s most annoying – or surprising – about Christmas in Denmark.
How are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?
My family and I are going to spend Christmas with my sister, who also lives in Denmark. I’ve lived in Denmark for 30 years, so we celebrate a traditional Danish Christmas with a Christmas tree, gifts and good food. But there won’t be any duck, because we’re vegetarians.
We’re really enthusiastic about Christmas at our house. My 19-year-old daughter was born in December, and she loves Christmas. If it was up to her, we would put up the decorations in November. But our agreement is that we pick up the Christmas tree on 1 December, and that’s also when we put up our decorations
What is the best/worst Christmas tradition from your home country?
In India where I come from there are about 1 or 2 percent Christians. Sp Christmas isn't a holiday per se. But a lot has happened since I moved away. Back then, what I remember best is that you could go to Church on Christmas Eve. Today there's more Christmas spirit - There are Christmas trees and Santas some places. And it's celebrated on Christmas day in the morning, like in England.
What do you think is most annoying about Danish Christmas?
I actually don’t think there is anything annoying about Danish Christmas, but a lot has happened in the 30 years I’ve lived here. Christmas has become more commercial, I think. Today it seems like people hurry around stressing about buying gifts and going to Christmas parties. Whereas it’s actually so cozy to sit inside with your family and friends and look at all the Christmas lights in this dark season. That should be what’s in focus, I think.
- Merry Christmas!
The Omnibus Advent Calendar:
The Advent calendar is a treasured Danish Christmas tradition. In many families, kids get to open a small gift each day all December until Christmas Eve, when Christmas is celebrated.
Our small holiday gift to you is a chance to meet one of AU’s many international students and employees every day until Christmas.
All 24 will share where they’re spending Christmas this year, their favorite (and least favorite) Christmas traditions from their home countries, and what’s most annoying – or surprising – about Christmas in Denmark.