Countdown to Christmas - Photo Challenge - Day 9:ELF

Unfortunately, Elf on the Shelf posts have taken over the Facebook and Pinterest news feeds this time of year.

There were even two tabletop trees decorated with the mischievous little fellows at the Festival of Trees we attended last weekend.

My elf story begins in the 1800's with my great, great-grandparents, Charles and Sophia Nelson, who came over from Sweden bringing the tradition with them of Doppa i Grytta (meaning dip in the kettle). 

Due to a shortage of food, when the special meal was prepared for Christmas Eve, a combination of pork and beef were cooked together making a very tasty broth. To further stretch a meal of the two meats, the typical Swedish Limpa Rye bread was made and carefully dipped in the broth created by the meat combination. 

This hearty fare gave strength and sustenance to our ancestors. As the tradition grew within our family, other things were added to this feast such as macaroni and cheese and some sort of dessert. With additional family members--spouses and more children, other favorite foods were added by those attending. Goodies today range from broccoli corn casserole, cheesy potatoes, ham balls,tossed salad, layered jello salad, pimento salad, pasta salad, strawberry pretzel salad and a variety of desserts including Christmas Tree cake, chocolate sheet cake, date cake, butterscotch pecan bars, sugar cookies, peanut butter balls, and fudge. 

To begin the festivities, we all gather in the kitchen and the eldest member gives a prayer of thanks for family and we toast with homemade grape juice or tomato juice and then fill our plates. When new family members and guests are present, someone usually shows them the ropes of dipping the bread in the kettle so they are not embarrassed by leaving it in too long and having it fall apart in the juices. One year, we had apple cider brewing on the stove. I inadvertently dipped my bread in the apple cider instead of the meat broth--I thought it tasted pretty good.

After the meal, we used to exchange gifts when the dishes were cleaned. As a child, I remember dishes seeming to take forever before we were summoned to open presents. There is still some gift giving today by "Elves," but not as many as years ago. Another activity we've added is to play Christmas Trivia and word scramble games which has become a favorite tradition as well. Our traditional Doppa i Gryta clan has grown from 10 to 40 family members, but usually only about half are able to make it back for the day.

In celebration of our time-honored tradition, Charles the Elf decorated a tabletop tree with elf ornaments and had it waiting at the funeral home for the visitation.  I'm fairly certain I know which member of the family the elf is, but it does remain a mystery.  What I do know is that the elf tree was probably my favorite floral tribute given for mom's funeral.

Thank you Elf Charles.