The Edwardian Era was a time of elegance, grandeur, and some of the most charming Christmas traditions. Homes adorned with holly and ivy, families gathering around a splendidly decorated Christmas tree, and tables groaning under the weight of succulent roast goose. Steaming plum puddings and mince pies await those with a sweet tooth. So, for today’s deep dive into Christmas traditions, we explore Edwardian Christmas’s sumptuous feasts, heartwarming traditions, and opulence that defined the era. Whether you’re a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or just searching for some old-world Christmas charm, join us on this nostalgic journey. 

Table Of Contents

1. The Edwardian Era
2. Decorating the Edwardian Home
3. The Edwardian Christmas Tree
4. Traditional Edwardian Christmas Feasts
5. Gift Giving in the Edwardian Times
6. Edwardian Christmas Cards
7. Edwardian Christmas Entertainment
8. Edwardian Christmas Fashion

The Edwardian Era

The Edwardian era, named after King Edward VII, began in 1901, spanning the next ten years. It was a brief but influential time in British history characterized by extravagance, social transformation, and technical progress. This period, which followed the Victorian era, was marked by contrasts. The aristocracy’s opulent lives, complete with garden parties and elaborate balls, and the notable social movements, such as the suffragettes, who fought for women’s rights.

Decorating the Edwardian Home

Walking into an Edwardian home at Christmas, you’ll be greeted with holly, ivy, and mistletoe. These natural greens were used to make garlands to adorn door frames, stair banisters, and mantelpieces. These festive plants offered a sense of nature indoors during the cold winter. Red berries provide colour to the decorations and are preserved throughout Christmas with salt or mountain ash.

Handmade decorations were all the rage. Families would come together to make paper chains and other do-it-yourself cloth or paper decorations. These personal touches mirror the Edwardian value placed on handmade skills. A big part of the festive ambiance was created by candles. Candles were utilized not only on the Christmas tree but also as table centrepieces, on windowsills, and throughout the elegant house, all the more comforting by the relaxing glow.

Compared to the Victorian era, Edwardian Christmas decorations tended to have a more subdued colour palette that emphasized natural greens, holly berry reds, and warm light. More subdued accents of gold and silver were also utilized with the wider availability of gold and silver paint.

The Arts and Crafts Movement, which placed an emphasis on handcrafted items brought the tradition of wreath-making back into the spotlight. While the Victorians may have opted to have these made for them, the Edwardians took it on as an activity using materials from around their homes to createstunning doorway decorations.

The Edwardian Christmas Tree

An essential component of Edwardian Christmas households was the Christmas tree. Beginning in the Victorian era, the Edwardians continued this German tradition. These trees were frequently positioned in the middle of the house,, but when decorating their tree, the Edwardians were exceedingly particular. A tree that was decked before Christmas Eve was considered very gauche.

Edwardian Christmas Lights

Candles were the main source of Christmas tree lighting prior to the widespread use of electric lights. These were fastened to the branches using clips or holders. The tree had a magical aura from the flickering candlelight, but it needed to be constantly watched to prevent any dangerous fires.

The new technology of electric Christmas lights was a luxury enjoyed by a few wealthy Edwardians. Thomas Edison’s assistant Edward H. Johnson installed the first known electrically lit Christmas tree in 1882. However, because of the expense, power was not yet widely available in Edwardian households. These early electric tree lights came in a variety of designs, some of which were meant to preserve traditional aesthetics by seeming like candles. Others adopted the new technology in various forms and hues.

Edwardian Christmas Decorations

The tree was decked out with handcrafted garlands, tinsel, and glass ornaments. Compared to contemporary tinsel, Edwardian tinsel appeared heavier and more draped because it was constructed from thin strips of lead or silver. During the Edwardian era, glass ornaments were highly detailed and frequently imported from Germany. They reflected the era’s preoccupation with innovation and workmanship, coming in a variety of shapes such as fruits, animals, and other whimsical motifs.

Dresdens were a popular Edwardian decoration, originating from Dresden, Germany. These ornaments are traditionally made from embossed and pressed cardboard, often referred to as “Dresden cardboard.” What sets them apart is their elaborate detail and the variety of shapes they come in, including animals, stars, fish, and even intricate objects like carriages or ships.

Edwardian Christmas trees were frequently strung with beaded garlands made from glass beads, dried fruit or gold paper. Fairy figurines were a characteristic Edwardian touch, frequently with delicate features and translucent wings. These were occasionally positioned atop the tree in place of the more customary angel or star.

The Edwardian love of nature was reflected in the occasional addition of natural elements to the tree, such as pine cones, nuts, and berries. Colour and texture were added using ribbons and bows. Particularly silk and satin ribbons were well-liked options since they frequently complemented the tree’s general color palette.

Traditional Edwardian Christmas Feasts

The festive feast that awaited Edwardians at home after Christmas Church services was an elaborate event. A variety of delicacies would be arranged on the table, showcasing the period’s luxury and grandeur. Edwardians LOVED to eat. Thus, one of the main features of their Christmas dinners was an abundance of courses—up to nine at times—that served as a display of their wealth.

Edwardian Starters

Rich, filling soups, such as creamy vegetable soup, consommé, and turtle soup, were popular. Turtle soup—yes, you read that correctly. Traditionally, the soup was made with the meat of the green sea turtle, which was a prized delicacy owing to the expensive and scarcity of the ingredients. Therefore, having turtle soup on your table symbolizes prestige and wealth. When real turtle became too expensive or unavailable, imitation turtle soup—made from veal or calf’s head—was offered as a more affordable substitute. If you want to add this curious mock-turtle soup to your Christmas table, a modern interpretation of the original recipe can be found here.

Edwardian Goose of Turkey for Christmas?

The Christmas goose, inherited from Victorian tradition, was central to the Edwardian Christmas dinner, prized for its juicy, flavourful meat and often the highlight of festive meals. However, Edwardian middle and upper classes began to prefer turkey, a newer choice for British Christmas feasts. The larger turkey gained popularity in wealthier households, symbolizing the era’s penchant for luxury, becoming a symbol of status and the times’ growing affluence.

While food distribution throughout Europe was increasing, most households could only afford local produce. Therefore, the ingredients features on the table frequently consisted of seasonal vegetables that were readily available around the county. Winter produce included carrots, potatoes, brussels sprouts, apples, and potatoes.

Traditionally, the goose or turkey, was stuffed with onion and sage and slow-roasted to perfection, creating a scent that filled homes with the spirit of the holidays. Often times chestnuts were added to the stuffing for a very rich and earthy flavour. Almost everything was prepared in a way that highlighted butter and cream, emphasizing the decadence of the era.

Exquisite feasts also feature a fish course, usually with oysters, smoked salmon, or other seafood. The new invention of canned fish, such as salmon, was used by families that could not afford freshly caught fish. They tried to hide the canned fish’s taste by adding it to recipes like salmon moose. But one can imagine there wasn’t much anyone could do to camouflage that taste…

Edwardian Desserts

A classic Christmas plum pudding was a must-have for any Edwardian celebration. Cooked with suet, almonds, dried fruits, and spices, this deep, rich pudding was typically cooked well in advance and matured over December. The inclusion of brandy and rum in the mix helped its preservation during that time. Traditionally, the mixture would include a silver coin, and whoever received the cake slice with the coin was destined for good luck in the coming year. When the pudding was ready to be served, it was steamed for several hours, which allowed the flavours to meld and deepen. This preparation method resulted in a moist, flavourful pudding despite it being made a month earlier. It was typically served with a sprig of holly on top and doused in brandy before being flamboyantly set alight at the table, creating a dramatic and festive presentation.

Fruit cake was a variation of the traditional Christmas pudding. Frosted and embellished with intricate motifs made of almond paste, it was often a centrepiece of the dessert table. Mince pies were another essential of the Edwardian Christmas dessert spread. Back then, the pastries were made with mincemeat, beef or venison, a concoction of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits and spices.

Edwardian Christmas Drinks

The Edwardian era was a time of relative prosperity and peace before World War I, and the opulence of the Christmas celebrations, including the drinks, reflected this. A perennial favourite, mulled wine was made by warming red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, often sweetened with sugar and fortified with brandy. This drink was a winter staple, offering warmth and cheer during the festive season. Punches, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, were famous at Christmas gatherings. They were often made with a base of fruit juices and spices and could include spirits like rum or brandy. The communal nature of punch made it popular at parties. Punch was often served from a large bowl, which, in wealthier households, was an opulent silver design that became a feature of the dining room.

A traditional holiday drink, eggnog was made with eggs, sugar, milk or cream and spiked with brandy, rum, or whisky. It was particularly popular in England and America and symbolized festivity and celebration. Port and sherry were fortified wines that the Edwardians found fashionable, but spirits like whiskey and brandy were mainstays in the Edwardian homes.

Gift Giving in the Edwardian Times

Christmas in the Edwardian era was a season of giving. Presents were less elaborate than those of today but exchanged with just as much love and affection. These could be modest personal trinkets, books, and handcrafted goods. Giving was more about the intention behind the gift than its actual worth. Because they added a personal touch, handcrafted presents were greatly valued. These could be hand-sewn garments, knit scarves, or embroidered handkerchiefs. Additionally, well-liked items were baked foods and jams created at home.

The love of literature of the time was reflected in the widespread gifting of books. Children’s literature, poetry collections, and classic novels were some of the most popular gifts. Toys like wooden soldiers, dolls, tea, or train sets would also be found under the Christmas tree. Still, compared to contemporary toys, these were typically simpler in design and often also handmade.

Edwardian Adult Gifts

Adults liked to receive jewellery such as lockets, cufflinks, and brooches. Frequently, these objects featured a customized element, like initials or a memorable date inscribed on them. Gifts that were useful, like hats, handkerchiefs, or gloves, were a favourite item to be exchanged.

Particularly for individuals who enjoyed music, music boxes or tiny instruments like flutes or harmonicas were treasured possessions. For the women of the household, gifts like stationery sets, fountain pens, and inkwells were popular in the days of handwritten letters. Fragrances, scented soaps, and grooming sets, particularly as grooming and personal cleanliness grew in importance within societal conventions, were some of the more “trendy” gifts unwrapped in the Edwardian household.

Edwardian Christmas Cards

Edwardian Christmas cards were both mailed and exchanged as gifts on Christmas day. They were frequently exquisitely designed and acted almost like a work of art to be admired. Art Nouveau was the most popular movement then, and its focus on organic shapes and flowing lines found its way into the designs of many Edwardian Christmas cards. Flower and nature motifs were often the centre point of the card, with colour schemes of rich reds, greens and golds. In contrast to Victorian cards, the use of colour was more muted and leaned toward a more sophisticated look.

Illustrations frequently included placid wintertime vistas, settings covered in snow, holly trees, mistletoe, and birds such as robins. Heartwarming images of families and kids having fun in the snow brought forth themes of coziness and family.

Edwardian Christmas Entertainment

Christmas celebrations in the Edwardian era became to involved more and more music in the home, rather than just in the church. Around the piano, friends and family would congregate to sing holiday tunes and carols. Carolers frequently made house calls and public appearances, spreading the holiday cheer via song, a tradition I long for today!

Edwardian Pantos and Playing Cards

One of the most popular Christmas activities was going to a play or pantomime, especially for people who lived in or close to cities.

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At Christmas parties, Edwardians gathered indoors to play a variety of parlour games. Popular games included word and guessing games, snapdragon (a game using burning brandy and raisins), charades, and blind man’s bluff.

During the Edwardian Christmas, storytelling was still a popular tradition. Families would get together to hear stories, most of which had morality, Christmas, or winter themes. Read alouds of traditional Christmas tales, such as Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” also took place around this time.

Edwardian Christmas Fashion

Edwardian Christmas fashion reflected the elegance and sophistication of the era, often with a unique festive touch. Given the winter season, outerwear was essential. Women wore long coats or fur-lined capes, while men donned heavy overcoats. Ladies wore floor-length gowns from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. These gowns often had a fitted bodice and a full skirt, sometimes with a train for more formal occasions. Consistent with the fashion of the time, dresses had high necklines and long sleeves. Lace or beadwork often adorned the neck and cuffs for added elegance. A defining feature of Edwardian women’s fashion was the S-shaped corset, which created an hourglass figure with a pronounced bust and hips.

Christmas attire often featured rich colours such as deep reds, greens, gold, and creams. Gowns might be embellished with lace, embroidery, or ribbons and include festive motifs such as holly embroidery or accessories in Christmas colours. Accessories included elegant gloves, ornate hats or hairpieces adorned with feathers or jewels, and fine jewelry like brooches, necklaces, and earrings.

Edwardian Men’s and Children’s Fashion

Men often wore formal suits, typically a tailcoat for evening events or a more relaxed lounge suit for less formal gatherings. A waistcoat (vest) was commonly worn under the coat, along with a cravat or tie, often in silk or another fine material. Top hats were worn for formal occasions, while bowler or fedora hats were more common for casual settings. Young girls wore dresses similar in style to their mothers’, though less elaborate. These often featured lace, bows, and sashes. Boys wore miniature versions of men’s suits with vests and ties.

The Edwardians were truly masters of celebration, infusing every aspect of the holiday season with artistry and sophistication. From the sumptuous Christmas feasts to the handcrafted charm of festive cards and decorations, each tradition we’ve delved into reveals their penchant for detail and a love for the grandeur of the season. The majesty of their Christmas trees, the intimacy of family gatherings, and the communal joy found in wreath-making sessions all underscore the importance they placed on togetherness and the spirit of the holidays. Incorporating these timeless traditions into our modern celebrations, we’re not only paying homage to the past but also keep the essence of an Edwardian Christmas alive!

Happy Christmas, Adventurers!

The post Your Guide to the Best Edwardian Christmas Traditions first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

When planning my Christmas trip to Stockholm, I initially didn’t think about Christmas Holiday closures. When you plan a dream trip, you don’t typically think about all that could go wrong or might not happen. But after booking all my flights, I thought, “Hmm, I wonder if I should be worried about anything being closed while I’m there.” Well, it turns out there was a lot that was going to close while I was there but nothing that a little planning couldn’t fix! All it took was plotting a careful schedule to ensure that everything I wanted to fit into the trip was scheduled on the days when things were open. 

If you’re planning a Christmas trip to Stockholm, here is how to plan your activities perfectly to ensure you see everything your festive little heart desires! I’ve laid out a sample itinerary for you, so you know what you need to visit on which day to make it there before it closes for the holidays. It’s designed as a holiday set in the week leading up to Christmas Day. But you can quickly shift it around to fit your particular schedule.

Guide to Christmas in Stockholm

1. The Essentials
2. What about Daylight?
3. Where to Stay?
4. Public Transit
5. Sample Itinerary
6. December 19th
7. December 20th
8. December 21st
9. December 22nd
10. December 23rd
11. December 24th
12. December 25th

The Essentials

Weather

If you are picturing snow-capped rooftops on your Christmas trip to Stockholm, you might want to adjust your thinking. Although Stockholm does get snow, having a large snowfall around Christmas is a rarity. If you want to see some snow, it’s easy enough to jump on a train and head north toward the colder weather.

Despite the lack of snow, it does get pretty cold in Stockholm in December. The average high is 1°C, but the low is -3°C. Add the wind chill off the water, and without proper clothes, you can be freezing. But, embrace the Nordic saying of “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!” I was sure to bring lots of thermals for layering under my clothes. I also got warm wool sweaters, waterproof boots and an excellent selection of cute hats and gloves, making dressing for the cold all the more fun!

What about Daylight?

Being located so far north, Sweden gets much less sunlight in December than you might be used to in your own country. Even here in Toronto, it gets dark around 5 pm but in Stockholm, expect it to get dark as early as 2 pm! If you want to see something specific during the day, make sure you plan this into your schedule. But the darkness means you’ll be able to enjoy all those Christmas lights almost all day long!

Where to Stay?

NOFO Hotel, Soderlam

NOFO was recommended to me by my friend who lives in Stockholm, as it’s where all his guests choose to stay time and time again. It is located in the hip neighbourhood of Södermalm. The streets of Södermalm are where you can find the most relaxing cafes, trendy bars, and hipster vintage shops. The hotel itself is one of the coolest boutique hotels I’ve ever stayed in. There is a myriad of different room themes and styles, and the breakfast buffet included in your stay is beyond incredible! I almost always opt for eating out of the hotel to experience more local restaurants and cafes, but every morning there was no way I would pass it up!

Collector’s Lady Hamilton, Gamla Stan

Although the Gamla Stan (Old Town) is pretty touristy and most businesses shut down after 5 pm, having your room located inside such a picturesque place is a real treat at Christmastime. That said, make sure you splurge on a room with a view. Collector’s Lady Hamilton Hotel is located in a 15th-century building next to the Royal Palace. The Lady Hamilton Hotel has a 13th-century cellar, which is now used as a plunge pool! Throughout the hotel, you’ll find antique furniture, old paintings and crystal chandeliers, which make you feel like you’re staying inside a piece of Stockholm’s history. 

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Berns Hotel, Norrmalm

Norrmalm is another popular neighbourhood to put your head down as its located in the heart of mainland Stockholm. Norrmalm is probably the most central place to stay to get to everything you’ll want to see. Berns Hotel is one of those luxurious historic hotels that makes you feel like you’re immediately on holiday upon walking in the door! The hotel’s beautiful twinkle light covered exterior looks out over Berzelii Park and the Baltic Sea. The hotel opened in 1863 and has one of the most majestic interiors in the city. They even have an unforgettable holiday experience package at Berns which includes a full Christmas dinner, overnight stay and specialty breakfast. So if you feel like you might be homesick for Christmas, at Berns you’ll never miss a festive beat!

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Public Transit

Since most travellers use public transit as their main mode of getting around, I thought it essential to list out any holiday changes to their schedule.

Metro

Dec. 23rd: Regular Sunday schedule (trains run from 5:00 am to 3:00 am)
Dec. 24th | Christmas Eve: The metro blue line runs from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm every 10 minutes, the green and red run every 15 minutes. From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, it runs every 30 minutes. After 7:00 pm there is no underground service.
Dec. 25th | Christmas Day: After 6:00 am, the system resumes Sunday schedule service.  
Dec. 26th: Regular Sunday schedule 
Dec. 27th: Resume regular service

Buses

During the week of Christmas, many buses are still running but on adjusted schedules. Since there are so many different routes, it’s best to check online in advance for any specific route you are planning on taking. But in general, expect buses to be running on an adjusted schedule, which means longer wait times.

Sample Itinerary

December 19th

Skansen Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Skansen’s open-air museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 26th until December 19th. So make sure you plan accordingly to ensure you arrive in Stockholm in time to visit the Skansen Christmas Market. If you arrived earlier in the month, you could easily visit this anytime. But if you have your heart set on seeing the Skansen Christmas Market (which I did), I would make this your first stop. While the local markets are great in town, the Skansen Christmas market is the most comprehensive and the largest! uy everything from handicrafts and design to sweets, home-made candles and secret Christmas presents. 

If you aren’t interested in Christmas Market, there is no need to rush over here as Skansen is open 365 days a year. But trust me, you won’t regret making this your first stop, as the atmosphere is magical. I would schedule an entire day at Skansen as there is SO MUCH to see and do! Way more than just the Christmas Market. You can visit all the historic buildings and learn about Sweden’s Christmas traditions. My favourite thing to do is end the evening inside the Solliden’s dining room, where you can enjoy a fancy Christmas smorgasbord and buffet. Great way to sample lots of different classic Swedish Christmas dishes.

December 20th

Stortorget Julmarknad

Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan is the Stortorget Julmarknad. The Stortorget Julmarket is Sweden’s oldest Christmas market. This market, while small, carries everything you’d want from a Christmas Market. From cured meat to glogg, crispbread, handmade ornaments, straw Christmas goats, gingerbread, knitting and more!

The market runs from November 19th to December 23rd and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. I find going a few days before Christmas Day feels the most enchanting but not as chaotic and busy as the last day of the market.

Explore the Christmas Windows of Gamla Stan

After touring the marketplace, spend the rest of the evening walking up and down the historic streets of Gamla Stan. Since Stockholm was spared any destruction during WWII, this old town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval quarters. At Christmas time, the storefront and shops along this touristy part of the city are decked out to the nines! Swags of fresh evergreens cover the doorways, Christmas lights glimmer against the icy cobblestones and little pink-faced gnomes in Christmas hats poke their heads out from all corners of the shop windows.

Sample some Glögg

Glögg is the traditional Swedish Christmas drink which all Swedes imbibe come the holiday season. It is sold everywhere, but one of the best ways to enjoy it is outside. It’s the perfect thing to warm up from the cold with! During Christmas-time, the streets are filled with Glögg vendors. Almost every single cafe also sells its own version of the traditional drink. I loved trying one every time it got cold and made a list of my favourite places to get glögg. Create your rating system for a fun little game to play as you wander around the city!

December 21st

Start your Day with a Sweet Treat!

Pepperkakor is the Swedish version of gingerbread and is one of the most iconic baked goods to enjoy at Christmastime. The thin cookies were eaten in Sweden as early as the 1300s. But it wasn’t until the 1800s that it began to be associated with Christmas. You can find these delicious desserts made with gourmet ingredients in specialty cafes, sample traditional homebaked treats in the Christmas markets or buy yourself an entire box inside the charming tins found on every shelf in the grocery store!

Another popular pastry sold during the holidays Saffron buns or lussekatters. These “s” shaped buns are a beautiful golden treat flavoured with saffron and currants. They are called ‘lussekatter‘ or ‘Lucia cats’ as the shape resembles a cat’s tail. These desserts can be found in everything from cafes to convenience or grocery stores.

My favourite Swedish Christmas treats are Kanelbullens or Cinnamon Rolls. They are a very popular thing for Swedes to bake on Christmas morning. They are different from cinnamon buns I’ve had before, with a glossy exterior and big sugar crystals dusted on top! My favourite place to get them is the iconic Vete Katten cafe.

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Walk the Christmas Lights Map

Spread across the city of Stockholm, there are over 40 streets and squares which have been festively decorated for the Holiday season. The stunning decorations are themed around Swedish Christmas traditions and iconography. Everything from moose, deer, mistletoe and stars seems to float around above your head, lighting up the dark days in even darker nights. I have a great guided tour of the city lights to follow-along, which takes you through the city’s best-decorated areas. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy the streets of Stockholm.

Skeppsbron Waterfront Christmas Tree

Finish your Christmas lights tour with a visit to the Skeppsbron Waterfront to see the largest ‘real’ Christmas tree in the world. Standing 38 metres high, the Christmas tree on Skeppsbron in Old Town is the world’s biggest. It is covered with approximately 5,000 lights and is topped with a four-metre large star!

Enjoy the Julbord

The Swedish ‘Julbord‘ or Christmas feast is one of the most important family traditions. Pretty much all Swede have a Julbord on Christmas Eve. I have a whole post all about the Julbord which you can read to find out what to expect! But just because you might not know anyone who might invite you in for a feast doesn’t mean you can’t sample it for yourself. Historic restaurants like Operakällaren have their Julbord menus for both tourists and locals alike to try! It’s a great opportunity to feast on so many uniquely Swedish foods while also dining in one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city.

December 22nd

ArkDes Gingerbread Houses 

ArkDes on Skeppsholmen island is the national museum for architecture and design. Every year the museum features one of the most interesting Christmas exhibitions. It hosts a huge Gingerbread House competition where adults, children and professionals alike construct amazing creations all out of gingerbread. Since admission is free, it’s super easy to come in and enjoy simply the exhibition without feeling like you need to spend the whole day inside to justify the admission price.

Walking into the room filled with all the submissions, you are overwhelmed by the sweet, intoxicating smell of Christmas gingerbread. Every year there is a theme for the gingerbread houses, making a yearly visit interesting every time.

Centralbadet

If you’re feeling a bit chilly or tired from the cold, one of the best places to warm up is inside Stockholm’s Centralbadet. Centralbadet is a bathhouse located in the centre of Stockholm, yet almost hidden away. This magical place is tucked in off one of the city’s busiest shopping streets inside a large art nouveau building. Although there is nothing specifically Christmassy about this activity, the holiday season and your vacation should be about relaxing! And there is no better place to relax and get a massage than here. You can swim in the Roman pool, soak in the warm thermal baths and sweat out all the stress inside the Nordic saunas! It’s a great way to experience a very Scandinavian way of life.

Get a Bottle of Julmust

While you’re out and about, be sure to stop into a convenience store to pick up a bottle of Julmust. Julmust is a fizzy drink that tastes a little bit like root beer. The drink is ONLY available at Christmas, and Swedes go crazy for it as it has become the taste of Christmas. The drink is so popular in December that it regularly outsells Coca-Cola products as soon as it hits the shelves!

December 23rd

Christmas Cruise

One of the best ways to take in the sights of Stockholm’s waterfront is on a boat. And you might be wondering, “a boat in the winter?” And while indeed the weather might be a lot colder than a picturesque summer’s days it’s an experience not to be missed. The boats which run these cruises are set up to provide their visitors with the most comfortable experience even in the winter months. There is something so magical about seeing the (possibly) snow or frost-covered trees and buildings as you glide along the icy waters. To beat the cold they provide huge fur blankets and warm cups of glogg or hot chocolate.

There are buffets onboard many of these cruises, which provide you with another opportunity to sample a Swedish Julbord. The Christmas smorgasbord features classics like reindeer and elk meat, Swedish sausages, crispbread, smoked herring and salmon and cheese. I would recommend taking the early afternoon cruise. This means you have enough time to enjoy a bit of daylight but also admire the beauty of the city at night. The cruise lasts about three hours. Prices are around SEK 795 per person ($90 USD). Check the website for more details.

December 24th

Live Advent Calendar

Every year the windows around the main square in Gamla Stan are home to an extraordinary Christmas tradition; the Live Advent Calendar. Every day until Christmas Eve, a window around the square opens and out pops a live performer. For 15 minutes, a performance is given by either an individual or a group. This would be a reading of a Christmas story, a speech or a song. Check the website for the schedule of when the windows will each be opened.

While you are welcome to visit the Live Advent Calendar any day leading up to December 24th, I decided to visit on Christmas Ever Day. And I found it to be the most lovely occasion. Many locals were there to celebrate the last day of the calendar, and it felt like a very communal celebration. Everyone sang along to the music, and even though it was all in Swedish, I still loved listening. There were speeches thanking the volunteers, so much laughter and I immensely enjoyed the beautiful music. Even though the Christmas market was closed on the 24th, they still opened the Glogg stalls. This way everyone could enjoy a glass of warm glogg while the Christmas celebrations continued.

Nordic Museum

After hearing the lovely music of the Advent Calendar, head over to the Nordic Museum. The Nordic Museum is one of the only museums still open on the 24th. It stays open to host one of the best Christmas parties in the city open to the public. This is great for families travelling who don’t have anywhere to celebrate at home or for tourists like us! They host a farandole at around noon. This is an open-chain community dance, around the giant Christmas tree in the center of the great hall. You can also meet Tomte, the Swedish Christmas Santa and get one of the best Christmas pictures!

Their restaurant is open, and there you can taste some of the most fabulous Nordic Christmas food. I was so surprised by how good the food was, considering it was set up like a cafeteria. But even the tables where you can eat are decorated for Christmas, and the atmosphere is so enchanting.

The museum has a great exhibition upstairs all about Swedish Traditions. The collection goes through the calendar year and delves into all the different holidays and their origins in both religion and folklore. The best part to visit during this time of year is obviously the Christmas displays. These feature some fantastic pieces of ephemera from Christmases past. It even has a large scale replica of the first Swedish Christmas tree.

Last Chance for Food!

Many grocery stores and restaurants are closed on December 25th. While celebrations are taking place on Christmas Eve, Christmas day is meant for rest. As such, the entire city feels like it has gone to sleep. While some restaurants remain open on the 25th, they are few and far between. If you have your mind set on something it’s best to research in advance to see if that place is open. So you might want to plan to do a big grocery shop in advance to get some ingredients for at-home meals and picnic lunches. Plus, this gives you an excuse to wander the Christmas themed aisles of the grocery store. I honestly love visiting grocery stores when travelling. It’s such an excellent opportunity to find local things to eat and drink that are simple and everyday foods.

When shopping for my Christmas Day meals, I bought a small pre-packaged charcuterie board, bread and jam (the jam in Sweden is bonkers amazing), some interesting drinks I’d never seen before, lots of Swedish snacks, and a few sandwiches, pastries and salads. And, of course, a bottle of glogg and a bottle of Yulemust. These are easy to carry around and have on hand throughout in case you don’t find an open restaurant.

December 25th

Find the City’s Best Views

Since almost everything is closed on the 25th, I found that it was the perfect day to schedule a few walks to some of the city’s best viewpoints! The highest natural point in central Stockholm is Skinnarviksberget. From this rocky outcrop, you can see all across the city to Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan, the Stockholm City Hall, and more. On the opposite side of the town, Fjällgatan, located on the edge of a cliff, provides a stunning view from the east. Throughout this area of town, you’ll pass well-preserved buildings from the 1700s, making it one of the most historical walks to take as well.

Abba Museum

If you are interested in learning more about the Swedish Pop Culture Icons ABBA, you need to pay a visit to the ABBA Museum! It might seem a strange way to spend Christmas Day, but the ABBA museum is one of the few open on Christmas day, and honestly, this place is so much fun; it’s pretty much the perfect place to be to enjoy a spirited afternoon. The ABBA Museum is much more than a museum stuffed with original costumes, gold records, and other memorabilia. With this experience, you can pretend to be on stage with ABBA, record at the Polar Studio, and dress up like the group’s members.

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Ice Skating

Another popular Christmas Day activity is to go ice skating. The Kungstradgarden ice rink and the Vasaparken ice rink are two of the best places to visit in the city. They are each open from around midday to later into the evening. Skating is free, but if you need skate rentals, there is an extra charge. These rinks are gorgeously lit with festive Christmas lights and even play charming music to enjoy as you glide along.

One Last Fika…

Finish your evening off by stopping in at a cafe to enjoy on last Fika. Fika in Swedish means “to have a cup of coffee and a snack with a friend.” It’s absolutely built into the fabric of Swedish daily life. They embrace the idea of taking time to better your relationships while enjoying something scrumptious. I found that there were many cafes still open on Christmas Day despite restaurants being closed. This is how important Fika is, it is one of the only things to stay open! So, keep your eyes peeled and you’re bound to find someplace to rest your feet. It is the perfect way to stop, and reflect back on all the memories from your trip. Take out your notebook and jot down your favourite things you did or saw along the way. Trust me, you’ll treasure taking that time to cement those memories!

I hope this little itinerary was helpful, and it provides a general guide to your first Christmas holiday in Stockholm! The schedule is pretty open, so you can plot any other activities you are excited to do while visiting this fantastic city. Many of the popular museums will remain open until around the 22nd or 23rd. So you can easily fit them in as well, but most don’t have any particular exhibition dedicated to Christmas. I would recommend the VASA museum or Swedish History Museum if it’s your first time in the country. But don’t overpack the schedule as the magic of Christmas is one best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever spent a Christmas away from home and where you most enjoyed travelling!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Discover the Ultimate Guide to a Magical Christmas in Stockholm, Complete Included Itinerary [UPDATED 2022] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Mince Pie

If you grew up with English grandparents, you surely had mince pie on the Christmas table every year. Every Christmas dinner, my grandmother would bring out these tiny mincemeat pies, and I would watch questioningly as my family would gobble them up. I would always pass and only in the last few years have I grown a fondness for them.

Mince Pies are one of the oldest traditions from midwinter festivities. They were meant as a way to re-use shredded meats from banquet leftovers like goose, chicken or beef. The pies were filled with fruits and spices to perhaps mask the smell and taste of the slightly-off bits of meat. The addition of meat in the dish was removed in the 1800s and it became much closer to the sweet dessert we know of today.

Serving Roast Bird at Christmas Dinner

While having a turkey as the centrepiece of our Christmas dinner is now the norm, this wasn’t the case in the medieval period. But the idea of having a bird as the main course does pre-date our modern-day meal. In medieval celebrations, birds were served at the banqueting table in most wealthy households. But unlike our roast turkeys, these birds were served to look like they were still ALIVE! The animal was skinned, then roasted, and a replacement skin was then sewn back onto the meat. This was done so that the meat looked like it was being served from a living bird. Medieval kings and queens loved spectable and this was the height of food-for-entertainment.

The peacock was thought to the most prestigious of these creations as their feathers would bring awe to all the guests present. Smaller households were inspired by the royal’s love of serving these birds, and they would serve a simple goose. Many people still eat goose for their Christmas dinner, and I highly recommend it! It’s very fatty but as it’s small it is perfect for a household of only two or four.

Boar’s Head

If you don’t have turkey on Christmas, you might have a large roasted Christmas ham. The tradition of eating pork during the Yule time celebrations goes all the way back to the middle ages. Still, instead of meat from the hindleg, they would dine of the boar’s head! This tradition is thanks to the Vikings, who would sacrifice a boar to the god Frey during the Yuletide. Frey was known to ride a great gold-bristled boar Gullinbursti. As Frey was the god of fertility, rain, and sunshine, it was thought that this sacrifice would be a good fortune and a healthy harvest to the people.

Eating a boar’s head became even more popular across Europe when it became a popular part of a Christmas carol. The “Boar’s Head Carol” is a 15th-century English Christmas carol that describes the ancient tradition of sacrificing a boar and presenting its head at a Yuletide feast. As the boar’s head is perhaps not the most nourishing part of the animal, the traditions eventually turned into what we now know as the roast ham.

Christmas Plum Pudding

I have a winter hat in the shape of a Christmas pudding, and it’s by far my favourite thing to wear the second it becomes acceptable to wear Christmas-themed clothing in December! Plum pudding is a dish that is most popular in the UK, but eating such desserts dates back to England’s medieval ancestors. The pudding’s original version was actually more like a porridge, made from beef and mutton with raisins, wine, and spices added. It was pretty soupy, but breadcrumbs were added to give it some additional thickness. Sounds pretty unappetizing, but during the solstice, when poor families struggled to find something warm and hearty to eat, it was considered a luxury. Although the recipe has been refined over time, eating plum pudding on Christmas Eve still makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside!

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Some people have the tradition of hiding something inside the pudding. You hid a silver coin, small crown or ring inside the dish before baking. Whoever has the piece of pudding with the treasure inside their slice would be known as the King or Queen of the dinner. The finding of the metal was thought to bring the receiver good fortune for the year to come. Just be sure to use a food-safe material!

Wassail

It seems that no matter where you live in the world, you have a warm, spiced drink which simmers on the stove during the holidays. In England its mulled wine, in Mexico Ponche, in Sweden Glogg and so on! But all these drinks date back to the medieval Wassail. Wassail was a drink made from hot mead or mulled cider. It was one of the most important things to bring with you during any Yuletide festival. Pagans would bring their wassail bowl, full of the beverage, to the tree of worship. They would proceed to pour the alcohol over the roots of a great apple tree in the hopes of ensuring a good harvest the following year. There is even an ancient Christmas carol all about Wassail.

Wassail! Wassail! All over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we’ll drink unto thee.

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Wassail Recipe

Wassail is actually delicious and super easy to make. All you need is 1/3 pint apple cider (or apple juice if you can’t find cider), zest one lemon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1 oz sugar, 1-pint ale (or omit if you prefer an alcohol-free version) and 1 tsp honey. Simmer on the stove till the scent of apples and spices fill your entire house with festive fragrance.

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Holly & Ivy

During the cold and dark winters, the idea of bringing greenery into your house was a popular medieval tradition. The idea of seeing these green boughs was meant to symbolize life during a season when everything else seemed to be dying. While the outdoors was barren and grey, your home was not. Even the most impoverished household could go out and collect greenery to decorate the house, so its popularity was wide-ranging. Two of the most popular plants to collect were holly and ivy. Since they had roots in Saturnalia’s pagan festival, the church widely disapproved of this kind of decoration. But the people persisted with it nonetheless. Holly is one of the oldest good-luck charms used by ancient Celtic druids to ward off evil spirits. It was thought to also protect the home from lightning and was used for good luck.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is another plant that has been used in Christmas celebrations for ages. It was long thought to be used as an ancient cure-all by the druids. People would use it for fertility, to protect their crops and even to ward off witches. The mistletoe myth of bestowing love upon any couple who kiss beneath it dates back to the Norse gods. The Norse god Balder was thought to have died after being killed with a spear made from the mistletoe. His mother, Frigg, wept upon finding her son dead, and her tears turned into the white berries on the plant. Frigg ensured that whenever a couple met under the mistletoe, she would protect them in a way she could not have saved her son. And instead of becoming known as a deadly plant, it was known as the plant of love.

The idea of kissing under the mistletoe comes from England, when servants were allowed to steal a kiss from any woman under the mistletoe, and refusing was seen as bad luck. Another tradition goes that you must kiss once for every berry on the mistletoe and pluck them as you go until all the berries are gone.

The Original Yuletide Tree

In medieval times, druids were known to worship oak trees. This enraged many early Christians, including St. Boniface, who despised their love of the great tree. One day St. Boniface headed out to the great oak and cut it down. When it fell, a fir tree grew up from its roots. Boniface proclaimed that this fir tree symbolized Christ, as its branches never turned brown, a symbol of Jesus’s eternal life. Being amazed at the sight, many of the druids decided to finally convert to Christianity.

The earliest known decorated Christmas tree was noted in 1419 in Freiburg, Germany. The Baker’s apprentices decorated a tree outside the local hospital with apples, wafers, gingerbread, and tinsel. They decorated it at Christmastime to bring joy to those suffering inside whenever they looked out their window.

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Yule Log

Pagan and Norse people would perform a yearly ritual to appease the god Thor. They would place a log in the hearth, and if the log burned all throughout the Yuletide celebrations, this would ensure the sun’s return. Often, they would dose the log in alcohol to ensure it burned for a long time. When paganism was replaced with Christianity, this tradition continued as the log was seen to represent the warmth that Jesus brought to humanity on Christmas Eve.

As the hearth slowly was replaced with modern electric technology, people continued leaving out a log on their dining table as a symbol. Eventually, someone had the brilliant idea to turn the symbol of the Yule Log into a delicious dessert, as it’s much more enjoyable to eat rather than just staring at a log on the table.

Music of St. Francis of Assisi

Many people credit St. Francis of Assisi with the invention of the Christmas Carol. In 1224, during one of his nativity services, Francis led the crowd in a song of praise for the baby Jesus. His joyful tunes caught on with the group, and they would excitedly gather every year to take part in the singing. Eventually, the tradition of singing happy tunes around the holiday season caught on, and now it is one of the most popular traditions for families to take part in during large gatherings. These melodies weren’t always necessarily religious during medieval times and sometimes just focused on the winter season.

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Sliding on Frozen Lakes

One of the most popular winter activities during the winter in the middle ages was sliding on frozen lakes. People would use the large bones from a horse to strap to their feet. They would then use long poles to help themselves glide along the frozen water. This was one of the earliest forms of ice skating, a tradition that many families love to partake in every Christmas.

St. Nicholas

Before there ever was Santa Claus, there was St. Nicholas, better known as Father Christmas. St. Nicholas was born in 280 in Patara, now Turkey. Three girls in his local village were on the verge of being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father. The family was too poor to afford a dowry and I guess back then it was get married or be a prostitute? No fun…

Upon hearing this, St. Nicholas snuck out and dropped a sack of gold coin through the window. He would place the coins inside their drying socks left by the window (where we get the traditions of hanging stocking today). This gift meant their father could afford a dowry, and they would be spared from being sold off. Nicholas became the patron saint of charitable fraternities and guilds of unmarried girls.

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To honour his charity, in the 12th-century French nuns began secretly leaving presents inside the homes of poor children. They would always do so on the eve of Saint Nicholas. Soon the trend of secret gift-giving in honour of Saint Nick caught on all around Europe. There were even marketplaces that would pop up around the Yuletide dedicated to selling toys and treats for children.

The Great Feast

Royal winter feasts were something for the history books. In 1213 it was recorded that at King John’s Christmas feast, the cooks ordered 24 hogsheads of wine, 200 head of pork, 10,000 salt eels, 1,000 hens, and 500 lbs of wax, 50 lbs of pepper, 2 lbs of saffron, 100 lbs of almonds! Truly one of the most extensive grocery shopping trips of all time I’m sure!

But even for more modest households, the Christmas feast was still a massive event during the Yuletide season. The meal’s principal components were hearty meats, cheese, bread, ale, and a table of sweets. Venison was the most popular meat to be eaten at the time, along with pork & rabbit for the rich. The poor, on the other hand, ate sausage and bacon. Candied fruit, sugared almonds and sweets have always been popular Christmas treats.

Gingerbread

Whether baked in the shape of little men or made into a large house decorated with candies and icing, gingerbread is one of the most iconic Christmas foods! But the history of this dessert dates all the way back to the 11th century. It made its appearance during the Crusades when ginger was brought back from the Middle East. Back then, ginger was one of the most expensive spices. Using it in dishes was a means to show off your wealth. The earliest recipe we have of gingerbread consists of stale breadcrumbs combined with flour, ground almonds, rosewater or powdered sandalwood. It was then mixed with sugar, and fresh ginger.

This paste was pressed in moulds and sometimes even covered in gold leaf. Those who couldn’t afford gold leaf would use white icing sugar to decorate the shapes into more detailed reliefs. The shapes were used to tell stories from the news of the day. And sometimes, were made in the likeness of famous kings and emperors. In the 15th century in Nuremberg, the cookies became so popular and lucrative that an entire guild was dedicated to the profession.

Marzipan

While Marzipan is definitely not my favourite treat, it was a real hit with medieval aristocrats. The paste, made from almonds, sugar and egg whites, was an exotic treat. It made its way from Persia to Europe in the early 15th century. Back then, it was considered a luxury and often given as a Christmas gift. In addition to the wonderful almond flavour, Europeans loved the aesthetics of the dessert. It could be formed into many different shapes and painted to look like extraordinary creations. They loved giving the gift of surprise more than anything else. It was always a treat for them to reveal to the giftee that the music box or even the small bird in front was actually a sweet treat!

Boxing Day 

Boxing Day in medieval times was not a day for shopping. Instead, it was a day for the “reversal of fortunes.” During this time, the rich were encouraged to give gifts to the poor. Gifts were placed in boxes that employers would often give to their servants to reward them for their yearly service. Metal boxes were also placed outside churches to collect money and donations on the Feast of Saint Stephen, which took place on December 26th. St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr known for his charity acts towards the poor.

I hope you enjoyed this dive into the traditions of Medieval Christmas and maybe even consider adding some medieval flavours into your Christmas this year!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post 16 Surprising Medieval Traditions To Add To Your Christmas Celebrations first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

About the Lights

Spread across the city of Stockholm, there are over 40 streets and squares which have been festively decorated for the Holiday season. The stunning decorations are themed around Swedish Christmas traditions and iconography. Everything from moose, deer, mistletoe and stars seems to float around above your head, lighting up the dark days in even darker nights.

When Can you See the Lights?

The Christmas lights are turned on Saturday November 12th at 3 pm in Kungsträdgården. They are taken down around January 13th, so you have plenty of time to see them. The lights come on every day at 2:00 pm. While this might seem early to you, the days get dark very dark early in Sweden. B by 2:00 pm, it’s dark enough for the lights to be seen. The lights generally get shut off around 10pm. But I found that they were left on for later in some areas—especially the most populated shopping streets.

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Accessibility

The guided walking tour is located along city streets and is easily accessible to everyone. Because the lights are all located outside of the old town, this means you won’t need to go over cobblestone or down steep staircases. For the most part, the entire walking path is smooth, and some streets are entirely pedestrian-only.

How Long Will it Take to Explore?

The walking tour should be done at a leisurely pace. While we have specific stops marked along the way, you’ll discover your own unique treasures and hidden gems along the path. Take your time and explore everything you see! But in general, the walking tour should last about two-three hours. That’s enough time to explore but not so long as you get too cold. Be sure to stop into coffee shops and cafes along the route. The perfect way to warm up from the cold.

Stockholm’s Christmas Lights Walk

Operakällaren

Start your walking tour on the south-east tip of the lights map, in front of the Operakällaren. The Operakällaren is one of Stockholm’s oldest restaurants, opening its door to the public in 1787. It quickly became one of the hottest places in the city, frequented by some of the most exciting artists and politicians. Today it is still one of the most exclusive restaurants in town, and as such a flush place, it really goes all out on its Christmas decor.

The restaurant’s ceiling is replete with hanging star lanterns, which can be seen from the street level. These paper lights are one of the oldest Swedish traditional pieces of decor. They originally were thought to represent the Star of Bethlehem and are so popular that Ikea sells them year-round worldwide. Outside of the restaurant is a gorgeous evergreen display that recreates the image of the great Swedish Gävle Goats pulling a Christmas sleigh.

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NK / Nordiska Kompaniet 

Before heading to the east, we are taking a quick detour over to the NK building. NK or Nordiska Kompaniet is a top-rated department store in Sweden, and visiting their Christmas window displays are on the top of the list of seasonal traditions for local residents. The Christmas displays have been ongoing since 1915! One of the ways in which NK’s windows are different from other shop displays is that they are geared solely towards children! They genuinely strive to ensure the displays are installed at a low level. This way kids can see everything as they walk by and don’t need anyone’s assistance to see the scene.

Many other stores also have brand commitments that need to be met for the store windows, which results in the scenes being a little ham-fisted. But NK’s are devoid of branding and are more dedicated to a good-old-fashioned Swedish Christmas. If you have time to pop inside, you’ll be treated to a 4-storey tall Christmas tree!

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Head into Kungsträdgården

From the Operakällaren, head into the magical parkland of Kungsträdgården. Kungsträdgården is Swedish for “King’s Garden” but was initially built in 1430 as the King’s cabbage garden! In 1454 the park was expanded into a royal Baroque pleasure garden. Pleasure gardens were all the rage in the baroque era as they provided a place of recreation and entertainment for the public in the name of the King. A great way to stirrup publicity for the monarchy.

Walking into the park, the first things you’ll be in awe of are the dozens and dozens of linden trees lining your entrance to the park dressed up in Christmas lights. It’s like walking into a dream.

In the middle of the park is where you’ll find the circular ice skating rink. The rink is free and open to all! You just need a pair of skates which are available for rental. *Due to Covid 19 restriction, skate rental is closed for 2020. The rink is open from late November once the weather is cold enough for the ice to keep frozen and closes around the beginning of March. The rink’s hours are Weekdays 9 am-8 pm, weekends 10 am-6 pm. Even if you don’t want to skate, the ring is beautifully decorated and playing charming Christmas music you can dance to while watching the skaters whizz by.

Towards the northern end of the park is where you can find the tremendous royal deer. These 20 ft. tall deers are some of the first sculptural light displays we will see along the tour. These are called the “royal” deer not only because they are in the King’s park but because of their very regal stance. With their heads held high and nose in the air, they definitely look noble.

Grazing Moose along Nybrogatan

At the end of the park, you’ll come to Hamngatan, turn right and walk along till you come to Nybrogatan. Many of the streets in Stockholm end in “gatan,” and that is because “gatan” translates into “street”. On the corner of Nybrogatan and Hamngatan is Berzelii Park. Walking along the eastern side of the park is a herd of moose. No, they aren’t real moose; they are a series of lit sculptures. One of the reasons that moose are such an important symbol in Sweden is because there are more moose in Sweden per square kilometre than any other country in the world!

While you might think these moose are oversized, just like the royal deer we saw previously, moose are truly enormous creatures. They can grow up to 7 ft tall up to the shoulder with the large antlers stretching upwards of another foot or two. The male bulls can weigh up to a whopping 1870 pounds!!! While there are about 400,000 moose in Sweden, 100,000 are culled every year during hunting season to control the population. This culling results in moose meat being eaten and sold all over Sweden, making it one of their most iconic dishes.

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Birger Jarlsgatan

Walk north up Birger Jarlsgatan to the corner of Birger Jarlsgatan and Smålandsgatan. This building contains the corporate offices of Bain & Company. They have sponsored the lightning of the building with a giant red bow charmingly hanging off the facade. It’s so simple and yet so eye-catching.

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Norrmalmstorg 

Walk west along Smålandsgatan to Norrmalmstorg (storg means square). Norrmalmstorg was made famous in 1973 as the renowned robbery site, which resulted in events giving the world the saying “Stockholm syndrome.” But at Christmas time, the square has a somewhat more upbeat tone. In the center of the square stands one of the largest Christmas trees, all lit up with white lights.

One of the most significant differences I found between Swedish Christmas decor and North American decorations was simplicity. Instead of packing the trees with multicoloured lights and a million ornaments, most of the Christmas trees on display in the street were just filled with white lights and nothing more. Even the multitude of Christmas lights in the city stuck mainly to white, red and silver in terms of colours. While some people might think this restrained themeing might be boring, I found the uniformity calming and almost more natural. Like the lights bloomed on the trees like magic. The Brasserie vau de Ville is also located in the center of the square. It always has an elegant splay of decor lighting up the restaurant at night.

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Biblioteksgatan

Directly north of the square is the street Biblioteksgatan. Biblioteksgatan, which means “Library Street” in Swedish, is a street that culminates at the National Royal Library of Sweden and Humlegården. This pedestrian-only street is home to some of the most luxurious brand name stores, and the rent along the road is some of the highest in Stockholm. What this means for you is that most of these stores have some of the most fantastic windows displays set up for Christmas. It makes peering into the window some great fun.

Above your head, as you walk, a series of beautiful wreaths all lit up for the holidays. I absolutely love how they were swagged up and down the street, making it feel cozy and warm.

Norrlandsgatan

Continue walking along Biblioteksgatan until you get to Mäster Samuelsgatan. From there, turn left, and walk until you get to Norrlandsgatan. Norrlandsgatan is famous for being the location of one of Stockholm’s greatest unsolved mysteries. Restaurant Fontainebleau was one of the most popular restaurants in Stockholm in 1982 but was bombed on New Years’ ever, obliterating it. No one was ever convicted for the blast, and still to this day, it remains a puzzle. Norrlandsgatan is decorated for Christmas in these giant hearts, which are covered in lights and filled with enormous red bauble ornaments. It’s definitely the most romantic of the streets and an excellent place for an amorous stroll.

Jakobsbergsgatan

Walk north along Norrlandsgatan until you reach Jakobsbergsgatan and turn left. Jakobsbergsgatan is another pedestrian-only street known for its festive street decor throughout the year. Interestingly the street is home to many architects’ offices. During Christmastime, the road is hung with modern circular lamps with little star cutouts around the circumference. Crawling out from the center of the lamps are branches covered in twinkle lights. These are certainly the most interesting and almost abstract designs of all the Christmas lights. I wonder if the architects around this neighbourhood have anything to do with the more conceptual design of these Christmas decorations.

Regeringsgatan

Upon reaching Regeringsgatan, turn north and walk along the street, looking upwards at the blue snowballs hanging from the sky. Regeringsgatan is one of the oldest streets in Stockholm and was once one of the most critical trade roads. Providing access for travelling merchants to Stockholm’s waterways.

Kungsgatan

As we travel along Regeringsgatan, we finally come to the northernmost point on our tour, Kungsgatan. Kungsgatan means “King’s Street” in Swedish. Many of the most elegant buildings along this street were built in the early 1900s. But before this period of revitalization, the road was more famously known as being a red light district! Today, it is full of famous brands and some of the largest congregation of cinemas in the city. The street was also the site of Stockholm’s first traffic lights, which were installed in 1925! Today the traffic lights help you cross the street and take adorable pictures set amongst the amazing Christmas lights on the road. 

The first thing you’ll see when you approach Regeringsgatan is the excellent Bridge of Regeringsgatan, built in 1911. The bridges are some of the best-decorated spots on the street as they are absolutely dripped in lights! Along the rest of the road are vast swags of evergreens lit up with a large shining star in the center.

As we approach Malmskillnadsgatan and the sizeable arched bridge, look up to see the giant Kungstorn or King’s Towers! These towers are 60 meters tall and flank either side of Malmskillnadsbron. The buildings were built in 1919 and 1924 and are considered the first modern skyscrapers in Europe!

Sergels Torg

Turn down Sveavägen and walk south until you reach Sergels Torg. Sergels Torg or Sergel’s Square is a circular pedestrian plaza named after 18th-century sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel. Segel once lived here and worked just north of the square. In the center of the square is the enormous obelisk which looks down over the people and car circling the square. The obelisk lights up throughout the day and is usually coloured red for Christmas.

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In the recessed area of the plaza, which you can look down on from above or walk down the stairs to access, is a charming little family of moose grazing in a beautiful Christmas light encrusted forest. New to 2020 is an adorable set up where you can get your photo taken inside the faces of various Tomten! Tomten is the Swedish Christmas gnome who is said to live under people’s houses. On Christmas, even you must leave him something to eat to protect yourself from his mischief! He is a lovable creature that is more prominent to the Swedes than the North American Santa Claus image.

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Klarabergsgatan

Walk west along Klarabergsgatan, where you will be delighted by an awning of falling icicle lights. It’s like walking through a sparkling snowstorm but one that doesn’t hurt your face!

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Åhléns City

Another popular department store that always has beautiful Christmas decor on its facade is Åhléns City. Åhléns City is one of my favourite places to shop for Christmas decorations if you don’t have time to buy any at the outdoor markets.

Sergelgatan

Backtrack to Drottninggatan, but turn right down Mäster Samuelsgatan and then north along Sergelgatan. Segelgatan is the same street we view from above before, but this is the street’s sunken part. This area is decorated with hanging red ornaments on golden strings.

Hötorget

At the end of the street, you’ll exit out into the Hötorget square. Hötorget is one of the most central squares in the city as it is where three major roads meet; Sergelgatan, Gamla Brogatan and Kungsgatan. The Hötorget means name Haymarket. Even now, the square serves as a fruit and vegetable market during the day, and on Sundays, there is a large flea market. On the north-east corner of the square is the Royal Concert hall, with its stately pillars of light which are always beaming at Christmas time. The Nobel Prize Concert is held every year inside the Concert Hall and honours the current year’s Nobel Laureates.

Drottninggatan

Head west over to Drottninggatan. This gorgeous pedestrian-only shopping street is named Drottninggatan or Queen street. When it was first built in 1630 is was called “King’s Street” but was renamed Queen Street after Queen Christina, who ruled from 1632 to 1654.

For such a royal road, there is only one option for decorations; regal twinkling chandeliers! Marking the entry and exit to the walkable street are four great lions guarding the entrances. One of Stockholm’s oldest pharmacies, Apotek Ugglan, is located here and has been for over 200 years!

Gamla Brogatan

Backtrack a little bit along Drottninggatan to walk west along Gamla Brogatan. This is one of my favourite streets in this part of town. Gamla Brogatan was initially called. Gamla Kungsholmsbrogatan and was first established in 1637. While the road is narrow and pretty quiet, there are so many buildings along here which have such exciting architecture. Hanging above your heads as you walk are beautiful giant pine cones, glittering in the moonlight.

Stockholms Centralstation

When you come to Vasaplan, walk south along the street until you reach Stockholms Centralstation. While most of the building’s exterior is decorated, the best part is the door to the far south. Here you can find the large arch with enormous hanging mistletoe—the perfect place to steal a kiss with the one you love.

If you have time to step inside, you’ll be amazed at the Christmas lights that cover the train station’s entirety. Walking around here feels like a fairytale come true.

Järnvägsparken

Just south of Centralstation is the Järnvägsparken overpass. One of the loveliest parts of the decor along this part of the city is the fact that the light reflects down into the water, creating the most lovely mirrored effect.

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Tegelbacken

In the small plaza of Tegelbacken, look up high to the lamp posts where you’ll find a series of lit angels blowing trumpets

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Brunkebergstorg

Walk east until you reach Malmtorgsgatan and then veer off to the right until you reach Brunkebergstorg. This sizeable inner-city square is home to two beautiful deer, which are the dominating piece of decor in this part of town. In front of the Gallerian building are two 30 ft tall deer standing proud. But instead of antlers, a beautiful spray of tree branches explodes from their head. They are so stunning and set against the darkness of the night really makes an impact.

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Norrbro

Finally, head back down south to Norrbro. Norrbro or “North Bridge” is an arch bridge over Norrström. The bridge extends out from the Royal Palace and the Riksdag building. It was designed by the city architect Erik Palmstedt (1741–1803) in a neoclassical style.

Since the buildings located on the other side of the bridge are for the royal family, the decorations along the bridge are huge chandeliers topped with golden stars like a crown.

I hope you enjoyed the tour, it’s really one of the best ways to explore the city and you’ll see so many beautiful sights in Stockholm along the way!

Happy Travels Adventurers.

The post Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Stockholm’s Christmas Lights first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

What is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hyoo·guh) is defined as “the feeling of togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence, and comfort. The true essence of hygge is the pursuit of everyday happiness. It’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch,” as stated by Meik Wiking. Wiking is the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets To Happy Living and the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute. The word written account of “hygge” first appeared in the early 1800s derived from a Norwegian word for “well-being”. In its simplest form, hygge is the pursuit of well-being and comfort. This comes about most importantly during the winter season when you are spending more and more time at home, away from the cold outside. And for anyone suffering during this quarantine/lockdown season, hygge might be just what you need to create a welcoming space inside.

The concept of hygge has become a marketable commodity. But in its true essence, hygge is a feeling and cannot be bought. Anything you’re being sold with the title “hygge” like a hygge blanket or hygge candle is almost the antithesis of this way of being. Hygge is something you find within yourself brought about by key moods of peace and happiness. If you’re thinking you can buy it, you’ve missed the point entirely. So throughout this post remember, if you don’t have something on hand, just skip to a different part as you’re sure to find something you can create from what you already have at home.

The trend of hygge living was always something present in Scandinavian people’s hearts and minds but has caught on worldwide in the last few years. The Brits were the first ones to grasp onto this idea as a means of comfort amid Brexit’s stress as a way of soothing themselves. 

Start by Bathing in Light

One of the easiest things to do to practice Hygge living is bathing in natural light. During the winter months, natural light is hard to come by and often only lasts for a few hours. Taking time out of your day to enjoy those precious moments in the sun is super important. It’s been proven that sunlight is essential for happiness and increases your mood and also your productivity. Sunlight also helps our body produce vitamin D and supports our immune system. Many Scandinavian people will even go to “light cafes” during the winter months. Inside there are light lamps set up to mirror the effects of the sun. This is for people who cannot find time outside of their busy workdays to get out to soak under the real sun.

To have a bath in sunlight, find the place in your home, which gets the most light. Place a comfy chair or cushion in that area. Even if you have to work during these hours, you can hopefully bring your laptop with you. That way you can still work while sitting in the natural light. But your time is even better spent reading a book or just relaxing. 

To better enhance the natural light in your home, make sure to move large pieces of furniture away from the windows. This is to ensure they don’t block out any of that precious light. Open the blinds even if it means getting awkward glances from your noisy neighbours. You can also place mirrors opposite the windows, which helps reflect the light into the room.

Fill Your Space with Soft Textiles

There is nothing better to slip into to feel all warm and cozy than a beautiful, soft textile. Curling up in comfortable, quilted blanket is like that feeling of pure joy. Feel like you’ve entered a cocoon. Wool, fur, and cashmere are the best fabrics to feel like you’ve been wrapped up in a warm hug. But if you have a favourite sweater that gives you the same feeling, then go and jump right into that. Even a pair of woolly socks will warm you right up after coming in from the cold. Ask around, your grandparents especially might have an old quilted blanket they are dying to get rid of. And any warm memories which come with it are just a bonus!

Enjoy the Outdoors

There is a famous Norwegian phrase that says, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær” which translates to “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” I am a colossal winter wimp and never thought I could truly enjoy being outside when it was cold out. But on my last trip to Sweden at Christmas, I was determined to embrace this idea of enjoying the outdoors. Wool and cashmere undergarments were vital in preparing for these long days outside in Stockholm’s cold, dark streets. And it was completely worth it. There were a few rare moments when I had to escape inside to a cafe, but for the most part, dressing appropriately meant I could enjoy every hour of the day and make the most of my time I had there. 

For our purposes, taking a long walk in nature is a great way to get out and see the sun. Being inside all day makes you in need of some serious fresh air. 2020 has been a year of being inside, which has proven to be very tough for our mental health and well-being. Many of us enjoyed greatly meeting up with friends for outdoor gatherings in the summer, but there is no reason not to continue this trend in the winter too. Just dress for the part, and you’ll be able to spend some quality time outside with those you love. It’s amazing how calming a walk in the woods can be to restore your sense of peace.

Bring the Outside In

While wandering outside on one of your walks, take some time to forage for evergreens. Bringing the outdoors inside fills the air with fresh scents and creates a welcoming environment. We crave the outdoors as humans, but in the winter not even the best winter coat will keep us warm forever. Try to find pine cones, textured wooden branches, ivy and even fir needles to bring inside. With these you can create a little swag or bouquet, making your home feel like a small indoor oasis.

Care for some House Plants

Caring for house plants has been one of the most outstanding achievements of my 2020 year. It’s amazing how you come to love them like they are an extension of your home. A famous NASA study recommended having one air-filtering plant for every 100 sq ft in the house. This was said to improve not only the air quality in the home but also your health.

Instead of just going out to buy some plants, find that one friend we all have has a green thumb. You can always ask them to make a cutting from one of their larger plants. Not only is this free, but it’s also a great way to connect with people through their love of plants. They can provide endless advice on how to care for the plant. Plus, it’s like a relative to theirs and makes you feel like you have a connection between both households. The best plants for air purifications are Devil’s Ivy, Dwarf Date Palm, Philodendron, Rubber plants, Boston Fern, Areca palms, Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and Aloe Vera.

Light a Fire

Since ancient times, the hearth has been one of the most primitive of human comforts. It is where people would go to escape the cold, cook and gather when it got dark. There is something about sitting around the warm glow of the fire, listening to the crackle and pop of the wood that makes you feel comforted in some primal way. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in the home, this is the time to enjoy it.

If you don’t, even a fake fireplace will give you a much similar effect, minus the smell. I have the smallest little portable fireplace heater, and it’s incredible how when I bring it into the room, everything just immediately feels that much cozier! If you have a fake fireplace, add some real wood as decoration to bring those scents of fresh-cut wood into the home. Even a few scavenged branches from the forest stacked in a box really make the house feel homey.

Surround Your Home in Candlelight

If you don’t have a real or fake fireplace and don’t plan on buying anything new, you’d be amazed how candlelight provides such a similar experience. Danes are said to burn more candles per year than anywhere else in the world. Apparently, they are responsible for burning 3.5kg of candles a year! But there clearly is a reason as to why…

Candles are another great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. When I was in Sweden, it was amazing how walking into anyone’s home; everyone would go about lighting all their candles as soon as they got inside. Like it was just an instinct. Restaurants and hotels were covered in candles; hidden away in the darkest corner; you’d still find a candle gently burning.

The best candles to burn in the home are made of soy and beeswax instead of paraffin. Paraffin releases toxins into the air, which is pretty much the opposite of what we are trying to achieve. Soy and beeswax also burn for much longer. If you have small children and are afraid of the fire hazard, small battery-operated candles are surprisingly realistic and make a very similar impact on the room’s atmosphere.

Spread Essential Oils

Scents are tied to our emotions. Releasing some of these scents into the air can trigger your memories as well as relax you into a place of calm. To spread essential oils around your home you can always use an essential oil diffuser. But if you don’t already own an essential oil diffuser, there are so many creative DIY methods of infusing essential oils into the air.

The best oil for calmness is lavender. If you have insomnia, try chamomile and sandalwood. For anxiety, try sage. During these depressive COVID times, a little bit of peppermint or jasmine will lift your mood. To relax, try cinnamon or to boost your energy, add in some citrus and rosemary!

Soak Your Stress Away at Bathtime

Another great place to use essential oils without buying a diffuser is inside the bath. For me, bathtime is the absolute epitome of hygge living. I turn off all the lights and burn some candles. I use rose oil for a luxurious smell that fills the room. Epsom salts added to the water relaxed tense muscles, and you seem to melt into the water. Put on some soothing music to allow yourself to disconnect and be in your own body.

If you’re into face masks, this is a great time to use one as the warm steam from the water opens up your pores. This will allow the mask’s moisturizing properties to go deeper into the skin. Bring up your favourite book and use this time to get off your phone and to get back into reading. A lovely herbal tea paired alongside the bath is the icing on the cake!

Find Your Warm Textures

When it’s cold inside, we seek out beautiful, warm textures. This is a time to perhaps redecorate your home by moving around objects you might already have. Surfaces like wood, rattan, pottery, white porcelain and anything made of natural materials help strengthen that connection to the outside world.

Don’t Dress to Impress

Do you have a tattered old pair of pants which you’d never be caught dead wearing in public but are your ABSOLUTE favourite pair? Slipping into them brings about the immediate feeling of comfort. Well, these old pants are the definition of hygge. The Danes even have a word for them. They are called “Hyggebukser” aka comfortable pants. If you’ve ever needed an excuse not to throw out that time-worn favourite piece of clothing, then this is the thing for you! Snuggle up inside those comfy pants, warm socks and an oversized sweater. With you hygge look completed, curl up in front of the fire for some Netflix and chill.

Eat for Your Soul

Hygge eating is meant not just to indulge but also to enrich your soul and warm your heart. Some people take this as unhealthy eating, but in reality, hygge eating is more about hearty foods like stews, hot chocolate and porridge.

This Betty Crocker winter stew has been something I’ve been making ever since I learned how to cook. It’s simple and hearty and always warms me up in the winter. It reminds me of being a youngster and eating my mother’s food or remembering that the first time I made it myself. Food is an excellent trigger for happy memories, so if you have a favourite meal that gives you that sense of familial comfort, this is a great excuse to cook it!

I hope that you learned a little more about Hygge and why this great style of living is something you should incorporate into your life this winter. Hopefully, you’ve realized that hygge is more about a sense of well-being, a presence in yourself, rather than something you can buy. It’s more about using what you already have to create the optimal environment for coziness and contentment!

Let me know if the comments what is your favourite way to get cozy during the winter months or if you’ve used any of these pieces of advice in your own life!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post How to Create a Hygge-Inspired Home this Winter first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Even though we went to a resort, I still managed to get a taste of Mexican Christmas traditions. I implored the family to take a few tours outside the resort to see how people were celebrating and fell in love with the brightly coloured decorations, festive parties and exuberant atmosphere that seemed to vibrate in the city.

Christmas in Mexico City

Many years later, I would go back to Mexico, but this time skipped the boring resorts and headed right to the lively center of Mexico City. I was lucky enough to be there right before Christmas and was mesmerized by all the wondrous things I saw there. This year, being stuck at home, nothing made me happier than pulling out my bright and beautiful Christmas ornaments I had picked up in the marketplace to hang on my tree.

Continuing our series on Christmas Traditions around the world, I wanted to explore heritage, cultural cornerstones and (of course) the food that creates the incredible atmosphere at Christmastime in Mexico.

Farolito

Farolitos or luminaria are a decoration I have been making since I was a child. My grandparents lived in Arizona, where Mexican influences are everywhere you look during the holidays. Farolitos are paper lanterns that are used to line sidewalks and windows sills instead of wired Christmas lights. They are made from brown paper bags, and you cut different designs into the bag’s face. Then they are filled with sand, and a small candle placed inside to illuminate it. These days battery operated candles are placed inside for a more fire-safe version of the traditional decoration.

The tradition of having luminaries or lanterns used during the holidays comes from the bible. It was mythologized that these types of lanterns guided Mary and Joseph on their way to the inn in Bethlehem. Many of these lanterns are lit around important religious sites but have also become a part of the at home celebrations. 

Nacimiento

Another piece of Mexican religious art that was always a part of our Christmas tradition was the ‘Nacimiento.’ My parents bought their set on a trip to Nogales before I was born. Every year, it was my favourite thing to take out of the Christmas storage boxes. ‘Nacimiento’ translates to ‘birth’ but for our purposes, it is the Nativity scene that most families put up during the holidays. The small, clay figures are beautifully painted and represent the Holy Family, shepherds, the Three Kings, and animals that make up the Nativity scene.

Many families will have their children go outside and collect moss, rocks and flowers to decorate the manger. When we visited Mexico City last year, we were sure to buy our very own Nacimiento set. Nothing made me happier than setting it up this year in our own home, carrying on the custom. Traditionally the figure of baby Jesus is not put out until Christmas eve when he was said to be born.

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Colourful Decorations

Every time I visited one of the marketplaces in Mexico City, I would come home with bags and bags full of souvenirs. As someone who loves bright colours and beautiful textiles, these marketplaces are HEAVEN! And right before the holidays, they are busting with incredible Christmas decorations. These trinkets are completely unique. Like everything else in Mexico, their ornaments are bright and colourful. Using every shade in the rainbow. Far from the boring glossy glass ornaments we’re used to in North America, many of their decorations are made of cloth, tin, straw, clay or other folk art mediums.

Felt Ornaments

One of my favourite things to adorn the tree with are the hand-embroidered felt decorations. So many of the ones I bought originally weren’t meant for Christmas at all but look as if they were always intended to be there. I went out and also grabbed some distinctly Christmas-themed ones which really made the entire tree come alive with holiday spirit!

Other things that I used to decorate my tree were these palm ornaments. They come as both little ones tied together to make a garland or larger versions with these gorgeous frilly tails that are among the most charming additions. You might spot other items in the markets like these rattan rattles featuring a series of bells inside. These really stand out on your tree, and I love the little jingle jangle they make as you are decorating.

Angel Topper

To finish off the tree, I topped the enter thing off with one of the massive embroidered star instead of a typical angel. These ornaments mixed in so well with my other brightly coloured glass baubles, and it’s absolutely the kids’ favourite one in the house! Suppose you can’t make it out to an authentic Mexican marketplace this year. In that case, sellers on Etsy from Mexico can send you everything you need to make your own festive tree. Whether they are for yourself or for a gift, they really make the holidays cheery and bright.

Piñatas

Many people might not know that star-shaped piñatas were initially used to teach children all about the seven deadly sins. These traditional piñatas weren’t made in the shape of famous cartoon characters or rainbows. No, the original design featured a round ball covered in seven points. Each one symbolizing one of the seven deadly sins; envy, sloth, gluttony, greed, lust, wrath, and pride. The stick used to break apart the piñata is faith. The candies that pour out are the rewards for beating down sin with your beliefs.

Las Posadas

In Mexico, there is a celebration called Las Posadas, which occurs from December 16th to 24th. Each night of the festivities, family members go to a different home to celebrate. The word ‘Posada‘ translates into ‘inn‘ as the procession from home to home represents Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage to find the inn. The end of each night is capped off with the breaking of a piñata. Although this year going house to house might not be an option, creating your own holiday piñatas is a fun activity to do with your children.

Make Your Own Piñata

To make a traditional seven-pointed pinata, blow up a round balloon and tape some pointy party hats onto the balloon. Then cover the entire thing in papier-mache. Once the papier mache is dry, pop to the ballon with a little needle. Cut a hole in the top where you can add the candies or small toys. Once filled, you can use a bit of tape to cover up the hole again. Then the rest is ready to be painted. To add a bit more Mexican festive flare, you can add cut up tissue paper to make tassels and tape to the ends of the points. Once it’s all finished, it’s time to let the kids loose on your beautiful creation! Or if you’re like me, you can just make them as decoration for the house during the holidays and leave out the destruction.

Poinsettias

You might already have one of these in your house right now but you might be surprised to learn that the Poinsettia flower is actually a native Mexican plant. These flowers grow everywhere in Central America. Walking the streets in Mexico City, we were surprised to see them growing in large planters almost everywhere we went. The Aztecs used these flowers to make dye for clothing and cosmetic. They even were known to use the white sap from the flower in medicine to treat fevers.

The name ‘Poinsettia’ comes from a man called Joel Roberts Poinsett. He was the US ambassador to Mexico in 1825. It was him who brought the plant to greenhouses in America. As a rare and resilient winter flower they became synonymous with Christmas. In Mexico, they are called ‘Noche Buena,‘ which translates into ‘Christmas Eve flower‘.

Origins of the Name

The names come from a beautiful Christmas story about a poor Mexican girl. On her way to Christmas Eve service, she was so upset because she had no present to give to the baby Jesus. In Mexico, its was tradition to leave a present on the altar for Jesus on Christmas eve. Her cousin told her not to be sad and that Jesus would be happy with whatever she brought, no matter how small. On her way to church, she stopped by the roadside, picked a few weeds and made a small bouquet.

When she got to the church, she laid the bouquet of weeds on the altar, and to her surprise, they bloomed into a bouquet of bright red flowers. The flower’s shape resembled a star. It looked like the Bethlehem star, which led the wise men to the baby Jesus. It was a miracle, and ever since, the flowers were called Noche Buena after the miracle on Christmas eve. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a staple of the holidays worldwide, but we have Mexico to thank for its invention! The Mayans were known to drink a concoction made from chocolate as early as 500 BC! The drink was thought to have many healing and spiritual properties. It was very different from the kind of hot chocolate we drink today. Their chocolate was made cold with cornmeal and chilli peppers ground-up with the cocoa seeds. Chocolate was so important to the Mayan people that archeologists have even found evidence they were buried with their large drinking vessels filled with cocoa.

Hernan Cortez brought chocolate back with him to Europe in the 1500s where it was given to the court of King Charles V. From the courts of Europe, it was altered from a bitter, cold drink to a sweetened, hot beverage. The spicy chillies were also removed as they were too much for the bland royal pallette. But they don’t know what they are missing out on! This year, I implore you to give the spicy hot chocolate a try, made from a traditional Mexican recipe. It doesn’t need to be mouth numbingly hot, but just spicy enough to give it a kick. I think the spice really helps warm you up on a cold night!

Recipe:

The best way to make traditional Mexican Hot chocolate is by using whole chocolate tablets. These are called tablillas and are usually filled with additives like cinnamon, chilis, and vanilla. But if you can’t find tablillas, you can always use high-quality cocoa powder and add those spices yourself. Once the chocolate is melted into the milk, you stir it up using a molinillo. The molinillo is the traditional method of frothing up the hot chocolate, but if you don’t have one, you can just use a wire whisk. The molinillo is rolled back and forth in your palms to create rigorous motions that froth up the milk and combine all the rest of the ingredients. Then you’ve left with a wonderfully froathy, warm and rich beverage! Perfection!!!

Noche Buena

The most important meal of the Christmas season occurs on Christmas Eve, and is known as ‘Noche Buena.’ Families all gather together to celebrate the holiday, bringing with them their favourite traditional dish.

Pozole

One of the most popular dishes served at this meal is pozole. Pozole is a thick soup made with pork and the all-important ingredient: Hominy.  Hominy is made from dried corn kernels which are then treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization. Nixtamalization has been a process that the ancient Mesoamericans used for centuries. By soaking the dried grains in this lye solution, it breaks down the cell walls and makes the grain softer. Therefore it is easier to grind. This allows for the corn to be transformed for a myriad of different recipes and applications.

Once rinsed from the bitter-tasting lye, the Hominy can be added to recipes like pozole. Red pozole is served with sliced avocados and topped with cilantro. The contrast of the red and green colours is wonderfully festive! A great recipe to give a try this winter!

Ponche

One of the traditional beverages always had at Christmas time is Ponche. Ponche is a warm, Christmas punch made with fresh fruit. Much like our version of mulled wine, this drink is always simmering on the stove during large family gatherings. One of the more unusual ingredients used in ponche is the tejocotes. Tejocotes are a small yellow fruit that resembles a crabapple. Since they are rather bitter, sugar cane is always added to sweeten up the mix. Then, spices like cinnamon, star anise, tamarind pods or hibiscus flowers are added to give the ponche more flavour and depth. You can choose to add or not add alcohol depending on if you are planning on serving it to the kids or whether this is an adult only treat.

Rosca de Reyes

One of the most traditional desserts eaten at Christmas time is the Rosca de Reyes cake. Rosca de Reyes or the Three Kings Cake is an orange flavoured dessert eaten to celebrate the Kings who made the pilgrimage to see the baby Jesus. The top of the cake is decorated with brightly coloured dried fruits giving it this beautiful, almost bejewelled crown-like appearance.

Hidden inside the cake is a tiny plastic figure of the baby Jesus. It’s a tradition that whoever gets the toy in their slice is in charge of hosting and cooking the tamales on Candelaria Day. Most Mexican families are so busy this time of year, they will generally go out and buy their Rosca de Reyes cake instead of making it from scratch. But you can undoubtedly bake one for yourself if you don’t live near a Mexican bakery and want to give this unique dessert a try.

Hopefully, this gave you a little bit of insight into the beautiful traditions which make up the Christmas season in Mexico. There are so many aspects of the holiday which you can surely add into your own at home traditions or even discover which customs you might have long since been doing but never knew where they came from!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Celebrating Mexican Christmas Traditions, a Beautiful & Colourful Holiday first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Christmas Markets are one of the best parts of travelling to Europe during the holiday season. But with so many different things you can buy, it can be a little overwhelming. And before you know it you’ve bought so much stuff on impulse you can’t fit it all in your suitcase! (Not that I’d know anything about that *winky face*) In the hopes you wouldn’t find yourself in such a predicament, I wanted to create this guide to help you navigate all the treasures found in Stockholm’s Christmas Markets. What are the best things to buy and, most importantly, what to leave behind.

Pepparkakor

Pepparkakor or gingersnaps are one of those Swedish Christmas treats I found everywhere in the city. The thin cookies have been eaten in Sweden as early as the 1300s but it wasn’t until the 1800s that it began to be associated with Christmas. You can find these delicious desserts made with gourmet ingredients in specialty cafes, sample traditional homebaked treats in the Christmas markets or just buy yourself an entire box inside the charming tins found on every shelf in the grocery store!

Unlike other gingersnaps I’d had before in Canada or even in the UK, these were SPICY! Not like temperature spicy but filled with spices. The cookies aren’t just overpowered by sweetness, they have so much real flavour. In fact, the reason they are called Pepparkakor is that they indeed contain pepper! I loooooved them. Their flavouring is almost so strong it could wake you up like a cup of coffee. They were even better dipped into a glass of glögg.

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Although the cookies are eaten throughout the year, they are most popular at Christmas. Beautifully crafted tins and boxes of the cookies can be found at the market, and they make the perfect gift for those at home. You can also just buy one or two cookies to eat, dipped into your warm glögg while walking around the market.

Many Christmas markets also sell larger, non-edible versions of the cookie, decorated with brightly coloured icing sugar. The icing sugar spells out different Christmas greetings making them almost like a giant cookie Christmas card. These are great souvenirs and look adorable hung on the Christmas tree.

Knäckebröd 

Another item to buy for your julbord (literally Christmas table) is Knäckebröd or Swedish crispbread. These dry crackers are HUGE, almost the size of a large dinner plate. They are usually made with rye flour, and although they are pretty delicate, the crackers can keep forever! At the Christmas markets, they are packaged in beautiful red Christmas wrapping paper and look like a gorgeous present under your tree.

Polkagris

Although you might know them better as “candy canes” in Sweden, they are called ‘Polka Pig‘ or Polkagris. Polkagris was actually invented in Sweden around the 1800s. The name comes from the polka dance craze, which swept through Scandinavia at the time. The fast-paced dance matched the frenzied process required to create these twisted and twirled candies. These red and white peppermint sweets are made fresh for the market, but while they might look like the same thing you can get back home, I found they tasted much more refreshing and they had a more prominent punch!

Smågodis

While all the bins of candies might seem like a Christmas gimmick to get tourists to buy cheap candy for inflated prices, eating candy in Sweden is a real tradition. Smågodis means “little candies”. Visit any grocery store, convenience store or gas station and you’ll always find a series of bins filled with pick & mix Smågodis candies. Take a bag and filler’ up! You can get a little bit of everything to divide up for everyone’s stocking!.

The tradition started as something called Lördagsgodis, meaning “Saturday candy” in Swedish. Every Saturday, Swedish children were allowed to visit their local store and buy as much candy as possible. But the tradition locked itself in the heart of Swedes into adulthood. Today, the average Swede eats about 23 pounds of candy every year! And yet somehow they remain so slim….baffling. Christmas time is even more special when it comes to Smågodis, and filling your bag up in the marketplace is a great way to take part in this tradition, Saturday or not!

Julbock

One of the most iconic images of Christmas in Sweden is the Julbock. The Julbock, or Yule Goat, goes back to Sweden’s Pagan origins. Swedes worshiped the god Thor, who rode a chariot drawn by two regal goats. This cemented goats being seen by Swedes as godly beings ever since. In the 19th century, the Yule Goat’s role shifted to becoming the giver of Christmas gifts.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that Swedes adopted the image of Santa Claus. Despite Santa becoming more and more popular, the Julbock is still a cherished Christmas decoration. These goats are made of straw and always feature a bright red ribbon. They come in all different sizes, from large table-sized versions to little Christmas tree ornaments. These are a must-buy for anyone visiting Sweden at Christmas time.

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Christman Candles

Swedes love candles! It’s part of their hygge lifestyle. Hygge is Scandinavian words for “creating cozy and conformable spaces”, which leads to a sense of wellness and contentment. Winters in Sweden get really cold and really dark, but one of the best ways to combat the winter darkness is by lighting inviting candles throughout the home.

Christmas candles in Sweden often feature five candles to represent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas with one candle in the middle for Christmas day. The most famous candelabras seen in windows all across Stockholm feature a stepped ladder design. These candles are so beautiful and would make a gorgeous centrepiece on the Christmas table. Or place one in your window box to feel like you’re living in Stockholm.

Tomte

Before the Swedes adopted Santa Claus, they had Tomte or Nisse. Tomte is a little forest gnome who is said to live under the house to protect children from misfortune. His defining features are his tiny stature, long grey beard, and large, pointed hat. The Christmas garb for Tomte features a bright red cap. At Christmas time, children leave out a bowl of porridge out for Tomte to ensure he creates no mischief. Tomte’s visage is replicated all over the market as hand-sewn felt decorations, sculptures, wooden figures, paintings and more. These make great gifts or an excellent addition to your own Christmas tree.

Julstjärna

The Julstjärna is the Swedish Christmas star. These paper decorations are seen hung in the home and in window frames all across the country. The shape of the Julstjärna resembles a Christmas poinsettia flower. These darling stars make any darkened room alit with the Christmas spirit! These stars are so famous they have even made it into the popular culture around the world and used year-round. Anyone who has stepped into an Ikea has definitely seen these lights. You can find amazing handmade versions of the starts in the Christmas markets as well as in gift shops around Sweden.

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A post shared by Mårten Streng (@martenstreng) on Dec 28, 2019 at 7:22am PST

Lovikkavantar

Lovikkavantar are hand-knitted mittens originating from the village of Lovikka in northern Sweden. The exact pattern that is still made today dates back to 1892. It features a white and grey hand-knitted glove with yellow, blue and red embroidered tassels around the wrists. These are not only quintessentially Swedish, they are great for keeping your warm in the winter!

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Dalahäst Ornaments

The Dalahäst or Dala Horse is a carved, wooden figure, originating from Dalarna, in the center of Sweden. Deep in the forests of Dalarna, during the long dark winters, farmers would use rudimentary tools to carve little horse toys for their children. Why horses, you ask? Well, perhaps for the same reason kids love to play with toy cars these days. Horses back then were one of the most essential parts of life. They transported you from place to place, helped plough fields, moved lumber, and of course, were a great animal companion.

The traditional designs of the Dalahäst features a bright red coat with an embroidered harness painted in white, green, yellow and blue around its neck. The Dalahäst is known to be a symbol for good luck. Many souvenir shops are known to sell Chinese mass-produced knockoffs which are anything but handmade or authentic. In fact, they use plastic which is heat wrapped around the wood to replicate the hand-painted appearance. But in the Christmas markets which ensure only Swedish products are sold, you find mind authentically hand made one. They even have them in smaller sizes which are perfect to use as Christmas ornaments!

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A post shared by TotallySwedish (@totallyswedish1) on Aug 1, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

Kræmmerhuset

A Danish tradition that has made its way to Sweden is the Kræmmerhuset. These upsides down cones are Christmas decorations hung on the tree, which are then filled with candies. After Christmas is over, children are encouraged to help take the ornaments off the tree. As their reward they can eat the sweets they find within the Kræmmerhusets. The cones are often designed to resemble the shape of Tomte’s Christmas cap. This was such an exciting new tradition for me to discover and I was so excited to bring it home to teach my family!

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A post shared by Tina Petersen (@tinaskreahjoerne) on Oct 25, 2018 at 5:42am PDT

Swedish Sami Jewellery

Sami jewellery comes from the northern Lapland region of Sweden. This Nordic handcraft is a form of indigenous jewelry passed down from generation to generation. The designs of Sami jewelry feature intricate braids made from silver threads. They are framed against a reindeer hide band. These simple but elegant styles are a beautiful gift and the perfect stocking stuffer!

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A post shared by Helene von Schrenk (@swede_little_things) on Dec 21, 2019 at 3:05pm PST

Swedish Christmas Ornaments

Although it might seem redundant to mention buying Christmas ornaments at a Christmas market, I found the decorations for sale at these Swedish markets to be some of the most charming and adorable decorations I’d seen anywhere. It’s incredible how all of Sweden seems to have gotten behind the colour of Christmas decorations being only red, white and grey. Swedish Christmas decor is much more restrained and rustic. But they use a myriad of different materials which creates a gorgeous textural effect everywhere you look. There are glass-blown bobbles, wooden carved stars, hand-knit stockings, felt Santas, wheat shaped into snowflakes and more! You are sure to find the perfect complement to your Christmas tree anywhere you look.

I had such a blast visiting the Swedish Christmas Markets. Even when I didn’t buy anything, it was such fun to just explore and look at all the wonderful things people had on display. The atmosphere at these markets is brimming with excitement and joy, and they are an experience not to be missed.

Let me know in the comment if you’ve ever visited a European Christmas Market before and where was your favourite!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Best Unique Swedish Christmas Gifts to Buy as Souvenirs first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.