#23 The Danish Pioneer’s Countdown to Christmas 2014: Celebrating Lillejuleaften at The Danish Home of Chicago

Christmas is a special time at The Danish Home of Chicago, and The Danish Pioneer Newspaper staff had the honor of being invited to Lillejuleaften (Little Christmas Eve) at The Danish Home on Tuesday, December 23, 2014.

More than 130 residents, family and guests enjoyed the festive holiday evening, which began with a church service in the upstairs living room.

Residents and guests filled the living room, and participants in the worship service included Pianist Joyce Kissenger, Danish Reader Peter Orum, Pr. Kenneth Stangeland, Preacher and Pr. Michael Sparby, Chaplain, Liturgist.

Participants enjoyed singing Christmas hymns, such as “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Away in a Manger”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Silent Night, Holy Night”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World”.

The John Stone Duo entertained at The Danish Home of Chicago on Tuesday, December 23, 2014. (Photo courtesy of The Danish Pioneer Newspaper)

Then, residents, family and friends adjourned to the beautifully-decorated dining room and gathering room for the Danish holiday dinner, where the John Stone Duo was entertaining.

Scott Swanson, President/CEO of The Danish Home of Chicago, bid welcome.

Greetings were given by Jeff Anderson, President of The Danish Association, and Karen Vig-Keathley, the new President of the Women’s Auxiliary.

The tremendous support of The Danish Home of Chicago and its residents is truly outstanding, and The Danish Home has a remarkable, generous and strong community of new and longtime volunteers, hardworking staff, engaged residents, dedicated board members and caring family & friends.

Guests enjoyed a traditional Danish holiday dinner of pork roast with rind (flæskesteg med svær) and duck along with potatoes & gravy, red cabbage and ris a’ la mande for dessert.

One guest, one resident and one staff member all had a chance to get an almond in their dessert and win a mandelgave (a goodie bag filled with a marzipan pig and various gifts).

The evening ended with time to relax in the gathering room for gløgg, punch, cookies, kransekage and visiting with family and friends with the Danish Home’s beautiful Christmas trees and holiday decorations as a backdrop.

Be sure to sign up for “The Hope Chest” 

Be sure to follow along with The Danish Home of Chicago’s ongoing online news project, entitled “The Hope Chest”. You can follow along or sign up at http://danishhomeofchicago.org/the-hope-chest/

Merry Christmas and Happy 2015 from The Danish Home of Chicago!

Karen Frink and Shar Roge sing Christmas carols accompanied by the John Stone Duo.

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