This is the other traditional meal that is consumed my many Norwegians at some point during the holidays. This meal is more commonly found on the west coast, and seeing as how I was in Bergen it was very appropriate. The meal consists of smoked, cured or cooked lamb ribs, boiled potatoes, steamed carrots, sour cabbage, "kaalrotstappe" (mashed cabbage root) and tytte baer jam.
The big thing about New Years in Norway is that everyone purchases and proudly displays their own fireworks. Fireworks sales are only legal during three days before New Year's Eve and any import of illegal fireworks is strictly prohibited. This is the busiest night of the year for Norwegian emergency services with countless personal injuries and cases of property damage related to improper use and use while physically impaired. We had a great view from the deck out over the islands of Lepsoy where many wealthy Bergen residents own summer houses which they also use during the holidays. 
Some of the displays are quite incredible. For the half hour around midnight the area sounds like a battle field with constant explosions of colour and light. These shots were taken at the climax of the display at the stroke of 12. Notice how the entire area is lit up, it is a very exciting experience.
As this was a New Years spent with my brother's large family of three children and two other families with their own children we opted for sparklers instead of fireworks to engage the young ones....
My nephew David is enjoying the thrill of waving his 3 foot long rod of fire while my niece runs behind him.
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