Question: does everyone celebrate christmas on the same day

title: Christmas traditions
text: The major day of celebration in Norway , as in most of Northern Europe , is December 24 . Although it is legally a regular workday until 16 : 00 , most stores close early . Church bells chime in the Christmas holiday between 17 : 00 and 18 : 00 . In some families the Christmas story from Luke 2 will be read from the old family Bible . The main Christmas meal is served in the evening . Common main dishes include pork rib , `` pinnekjøtt '' ( pieces of lamb rib steamed on a grid of birch wood ) . Many people also eat `` lutefisk '' or fresh , poached cod . Rice porridge is also popular ( but most commonly served as an early lunch rather than for the main Christmas dinner ) , an almond is often hidden in the porridge , and the person who finds it wins a treat or small gift . In some parts of Norway it is common to place porridge outside ( in a barn , outhouse or even in the forest ) to please `` Nissen '' . In many families , where the parents grew up with different traditions , two different main dishes are served to please everyone . If children are present ( and they have behaved well the last year ) , `` Julenissen '' ( Santa Claus ) pays a visit , otherwise gifts are stored under the Christmas tree .