Darlings, the Polar Express is definitely shaking our house at the moment. Four more sleeps till Christmas and our traditional Swedish celebrations (always on the 24th Dec!).
The house is clean, decorated and glowing with Christmas cheer and love - ready to embrace all that the holidays bring. And we are so looking forward to this our second Christmas in Sweden since our move from Australia last year! The silence of fluffy snow flakes falling outside our window, the smells, rituals and traditions of my beloved motherland - it is all so wonderful! :))
All we have left to do before we let go and simply enjoy the festive cheer is to buy the last few ingredients to our Christmas buffet, wrap the final presents, and to drive around to our closest friends with little home-made tokens of love & appreciation.
In the afternoon of the 23rd we will also make our way to our favourite nearby forest with bags of apples we have stored since Autumn. We spear the apples on tree branches for the animals to feast on, and we hang nut & seed balls for the birds as well. The snow and ice makes it very difficult for all four-legged and bewinged little darlings to find food and so we make sure we continue our tradition to extend the Christmas spirit beyond our human friends!
I recently read somewhere that "the true spirit of Christmas is what fills the room if you stop opening your presents, close your eyes, and listen!". The statement was made by a 7 year old (!), who clearly has tapped in to a higher level of understanding. Children are so wise!
With that warm and insightful reflection I leave you for now.
From the land of glistening snow, Northern lights, and happy reindeer I wish you a very heartfelt Merry Christmas, a peaceful ending to an eventful year, and a fabulous start to what I believe will be a truly magical 2013! Here's to you, to life, and the adventures that lay before us!
Warmest and biggest of hugs to you all & thank you for all your support over the past 12 months!
xox Charlotta xox
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