Risgrynsgröt

The story

Rice simmered slowly in milk for hours, until thick and creamy, is served with cinnamon and sugar — and before serving, a single whole blanched almond is hidden in it. Whoever finds it in their bowl will, the belief goes, have luck all through the coming year; in some families, by an older custom, that person must also come up with a short rhyme or toast before revealing the find to everyone. A smaller bowl of rice is traditionally set out for the tomte as well — the little Christmas spirit or gnome who, according to old country belief, watches over the farm and yard through the winter, on condition that a bowl of warm rice with butter is left for him on Christmas Eve. To leave him none meant risking a tomte who would be unhappy and slyly mischievous toward the household all year long. For families in America, this small ritual — hiding the almond, the bowl for the tomte on the doorstep — is one of the few traditions that makes immediate sense to children, because it is simply a game with rules.