Lots of Norwegians likely spent time this weekend writing traditional Christmas cards and getting them in the post. Prime Minister Erna Solberg and her staff have been doing the same, with this year’s card featuring a wintry scene and an old oak tree in Ås.
Norway’s prime minister draws a county name every year to serve as the location for a suitable holiday greeting photograph. Last year Solberg drew Nord-Trøndelag. This year it’s Akershus, the large county that surrounds Oslo.
Hobby photographers who’d taken scenic shots of wintry scenes in Akershus were encouraged to send in their photos for evaluation. A total of 326 entries poured in, with Cathrine Strømø winning both the card shot and a visit to Solberg’s office late last month when the printed cards arrived.
“I really like the light and perspective in the photo very much,” Solberg said as she congratulated Strømø with the winning entry.
The photo that landed as Solberg’s favourite is an old oak tree at Kjerringjordet in Ås, which also is the home of Norway’s national university specializing in agricultural studies, the environment and biology. “The photo offers a really fine winter feeling, and is of high quality,” Solberg said.
She’s underway with writing messages on around 700 cards that are sent to heads of state around the world, Members of Parliament and people Solberg has met throughout the year.
“We received incredibly many beautiful photos, more than earlier,” Solberg said. “Many thanks to everyone who sent them in.”
newsinenglish.no/Nina Berglund
