Julebukking.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: TRAVEL - Brief article

"Julebukking is a Norwegian custom that people brought here from Norway when they settled in Alaska. Traditionally on Christmas Eve, they would go from house lse and eat goodies and wish everyone a happy Christmas," says Marilyn Menish-Meucci, manager of the Petersburg Visitor and Information Center.

In Petersburg, however, the tradition has morphed slightly as local businesses set out goodies as a show of appreciation and Christmas cheer for their customers. "It's a means of thanking people in Petersburg for their business all year," she says.

Julebukking no longer takes place just on Christmas Eve; it has grown to take place for up to four or five days before Christmas. "It's kind of spread out, so you can get in on each celebration," Menish-Meucci says.

The local newspaper publishes a Julebukking schedule for various businesses, and it's also announced through the local radio. "On Christmas Eve day there will probably be about five or six businesses," she says. "It's like a little...