Category: Opinion

When did Norwegians start celebrating Christmas?

Religious historian Roald E. Kristiansen explains how Christmas in Norway evolved from Norse Yule and Roman festivals into a Christian holiday, with many modern traditions emerging much later from a blend of pagan, religious, and cultural influences.

A December message

A December message reflects on a year of renewed visibility and pride in the Norwegian-American community, alongside key moments in Norway and changes at The Norwegian American. It looks ahead with gratitude, highlighting identity, tradition, community, and connection as the new year approaches.

Stoltenberg tightened the reins on the left

Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg told Parliament Norway’s Oil Fund must remain a professional investor, not a political tool. He stressed balancing ethics with returns, warning that activist divestment could undermine the fund’s global index status.

Support the Norwegian-American story

Celebrate connection and support our mission to keep the Norwegian-American story alive! From Crown Prince Haakon’s U.S. visit to Scandinavian traditions and our Holiday Gift Guide, The Norwegian American celebrates the ties that unite our community.

Farmers should be their own energy producers

Farmers are key to national defense, but lack preparedness for power outages. Nordic Edge Agritech connects tech, business & agriculture to make farmers self-sufficient energy producers, securing food supply & community resilience.

It’s about image and charisma

Fitness advice on social media often lacks substance, as influencers prioritize appearance and marketing over expertise. This trend extends beyond fitness, reflecting a broader cultural shift valuing facade over facts.

Fall colors and ballot choices

Fall’s vibrant colors, crisp air, and natural abundance captivate Norwegians and Americans. Norway’s election sparks heightened civic engagement, especially among youth, reflecting shared commitment to the country’s future.

When home is more than one place

The 2025 anniversary sparks reflection on migration and identity, highlighting how “home” can be many places. It echoes the complex feelings of belonging for emigrants, immigrants, and those fleeing for safety, uniting personal and universal experiences.

The emigration bicentennial

Tora Aasland presents Crossings 200’s perspective on the emigration anniversary, highlighting new reflections on migration, identity, inclusion, and the links between past departures and present arrivals.

The magic of doing nothing

Italians’ “dolce far niente” – the sweetness of doing nothing – offers a valuable lesson for productivity-focused Norwegians. Boredom ignites creativity when minds wander freely. Embrace unstructured time this summer to let thoughts drift.

A forester’s foresight

Norman Borlaug’s research saved lives, but we must consider how the resulting technologies have been applied. While his efforts were crucial, some solutions had environmental impacts. Now we must examine if these innovations align with sustainable practices Borlaug may have preferred.