Scandinavia paints the perfect picture of Christmas and spending Christmas here can be an incredible experience. Darkness, cold weather and traditions dating back to the old Viking days. What more could you ask for? But what exactly is a Scandinavian Christmas?

While in many other countries gifts are opened on the morning of the 25th, a tradition that all Scandinavian countries share is the one of opening Christmas gifts early, on the evening of the 24th to be exact. The reason for this and for many other Scandinavian traditions can be found in the heritage from the Vikings. The Vikings believed that the new day starts when when the sun goes down the day before which explains why Scandinavians start their celebrations the evening before the 25th.

Like most European Christmas celebrations, Scandinavian Christmas has its roots in ”Yule”, a day long feast that celebrates the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. For thousands of years, cultures have celebrated the winter solstice through various rituals, festivals, and ceremonies. Yule originates from Christian missionaries in the 9th century who then started to transform it into the Christmas we know today. This is where the Scandinavian words for Christmas come from (Jul/Joulu).

Compared to the commercialised version of Christmas that many of us know from movies and TV, Scandinavian Christmas can seem quite old-fashioned and traditional with much more focus on food and celebrations with family than expensive gifts and flashy light displays. Scandinavia is one of the few parts of the world that still very much holds true to the traditional meaning of Yule. Although the northen locals generally don’t decorate their homes with too many flashing lights, most homes put a big emphasis on candles, another important part passed down from celebrations of winter solstice and Yule.

In the northern hemisphere we create a seasonal sparkle where illumination and lights defeat the darkness. By december darkness descends early in the afternoon, but what you might imagine to be Sweden’s most dark time of year is actually its brightest and most brilliant. The country begins to sparkle both spiritually and literally – the excitement crescendoes and towns and cities are draped with decorative light. Candles glow in windows, trees twinkle in gardens, and despite the chill of winter, it is impossible not to be touched by a warmth that emanates from every corner. Sweden provides the perfect backdrop for fairytale festivities, with its red wooden cottages andfir tree forests heavily dusted with snow.

Decked in winter garb – long coats, woolly hats and high boots – people swarm in shops and through christmas markets, and stop for a glass of ”glögg” (mulled and spiced wine) with friends. Food is gathered, and homes are cleaned and hung with decorations. Advent – The christmas countdown starts four weeks before christmas. When the liturgical advent period begins, it is customary in Sweden to light a candle each sunday. The children’s excitement mounts as windows pop open on their advent calendars. It is customary to hang a star fashioned from paper or straw in your window, symbolising the guiding star of the three wise men.

A traditional Swedish christmas dinner normally consists of a smorgasbord of julskinka (christmas ham), meatballs and a variety of fish such as ”sill” (herring) that comes in unlimited variations.

The nordic style of decorating is very much in keeping with a natural look.  Think wool, sewn decorations and décor made from pine cones, branches and anything that you can find outside.  In the nordic region we are surrounded by coniferous forests, moss and evergreens, take a moment to look at your own surroundings.  Is there something you can bring inside and craft into a beautiful piece of décor?  Maybe an interestingly shaped branch that you can hang baubles from, a small plant you already have that can be decorated with some nordic inspired ribbons, or take an evening do some papercrafts.

I am sure that most people are familiar with the little Scandinavian christmas gnomes that have become so popular recently.  These ”nissar” hold special significance here.  It is said that they live in barns and outbuildings on farms and oversee the health and safety of the animals.  Usually they are shy and gentle but if you upset them they can be very mischievous or even harm the animals.  So on christmas eve we must remember to thank them for their work by giving them their favourite treat of ”gröt” (porridge).  The warm gröt should be served with a knob of butter (they especially love butter!) and left outside the barn or house for them.

So the month of December is frenzied in Sweden and Scandinavia. There is so much to do before everyone can settle down and snuggle into a happy hibernation. Christmas is also a significant time for family in Sweden. Owing to the vast scale of the country, people begin making plans early to travel far and wide to be with relatives.

Enjoy the wonders of nature!

Wishing you a december to remember! Merry Christmas! God Jul! Glaedelig Jul! Hyvää Joulua!