Norwegians may come across as slightly 'different', when it comes to their culinary customs of the Christmas season. Most families have their own traditions, when it comes to the way they celebrate the feast. Usually the same dish is served, year in, year out. This may seem boring or a display of lacking fantasy, but for a typical Norwegian, these meals are almost "sacred".

First on our little list is pork's rib (ribbe)

Politically incorrect, as it may be, the dish of choice in the majority of Norwegian households, is the ribbe. Oven baked and served with a variety of sauerkraut, various vegetables and boiled potatoes. It is reckoned as essential that the crackling is served crisp. (Woe betide the poor chef who fails to comply with this). (Although I do like pork, this one does tend to be a little too fatty for my liking).

The second one to go, has to be lamb's rib (pinnekjøtt)

Dried and salted lamb (sometimes also smoked) is left to soak over night. The flesh (there is not always that much of it) is steam cooked and served with melted fat, mashed swede and boiled potatoes. (The chef can hardly go wrong on this one). It is also a requirement to have ample amounts of aquavit at hand, as lamb does tend to be a bit fatty and some may need to disguise the taste. (I like this one, but I have no problems admitting that having a taste for lamb is a pre requirement).

Third: Poached cod (kokt torsk)

Well, I do enjoy the occasional meal of fish, but come on, we are talking Christmas here, and celebrating it by having poached cod with boiled potatoes (once again), cauliflower and white sauce is not my idea of a party. I am generally a polite person, but I do fear that I would have slight problems keeping my 'poker face' if this was to be our Christmas meal.

Fourth: Cod treated in a potulash of lye (Lutefisk)

This one almost goes beyond description. It is our good old cod again, this time taking on the appearance of a wobbly piece of nondescript matter, sitting on your plate, accompanied by (yes, you guessed) boiled potatoes, mashed dried peas and bacon. I rest my case!

Personal favourite:

At the risk of being politically incorrect, once again, I have to admit that my personal choice is "Rudolph" (you know, the creature with the red nose). Having "Rudolph" with baked potatoes (!) Waldorf salad and mushrooms.... I say no more! (Apart from throw in a bottle of excellent wine)......