Home Is Where The Swedish Heart Is

 

Now that I have been living in Sweden for a while I can see why some Americans perceive Swedes as being kind of "cold". From my experience so far when I am walking down the street and I smile as I pass someone, I no longer expect a smile in return. It's a fact that Swedes do not give as much of themselves as Americans do in public. It can take years to get to know who someone really is here, but once you do get to know them you are glad you made the investment.

It can be a long process, but if you become friends with a Swede they will most likely become some of the most true friends you have had. And if you are lucky enough to be invited to a Swede's home, you will see where their heart has been hiding all along.

Some of the very best hospitality I have been shown in my life has been in Swedish homes. No matter what season it is, when you stand in the doorway to a Swedish Home you walk out from the cold world into a place of warmth and comfort. You are always served coffee or tea with some kind of tasty heartwarming treat, whisked away on to a comfortable chair and into a delightful or interesting conversation. Inside a Swede's house you will find out why some are so guarded outside, they have a lot of pleasant company to offer to those who have patience and a kind heart.

When you are invited in to a Swedish home, don't let the outside of the house fool you. Because of the weather and the innate practicality of Swedish culture and design you will not see a fancy front yard, private gate or ornate decorations welcoming you up the driveway. The typical (and charming) red house with white trim that you see so often in Sweden is popular because of how the type of paint withstands the changing weather, not because it looks cute. During this time of  year in Sweden the only clue that could suggest how warm and wonderful the inside of a Swedish Home is are the lights on display through the double pained windows. The lights in the windows are actually an understated beacon of Scandinavian Hospitality at its finest. When you are outside in the cold looking at those pretty lights in the window sill you can't help but think about how warm it must be inside.

I am planning to do some Swedish interiors tours so you all can see what I am talking about here. Until then, one last word of advice.....#1 most important thing to remember if you are invited into a Swedish home: TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!
Tack!

Marie's House

When my sister Marie was here in Sweden on a visit this summer we took my dog Peete on a walk past this house almost every day she was here. At the time it was for sale and super, super cheap comparing to anything you can find in California. This is the perfect house for her for many reasons. It's cute, sunshine yellow, one level with a little loft and it has a cozy wood burning fireplace. The thing that makes it most perfect is that it is so close to my house, of course.

Now it's winter time and the house looks even more charming. Even though someone else bought the house and my sister is back living her own life in sunny San Diego, to me this will always be her house. Often when I pass it on my own I think of the talks we had together on that trail about how we would decorate and the parties we would have at "her yellow house".

It gives me comfort that both my brother and sister know and like spending time where I live; way out across the world in a little Swedish village they never knew existed.

Sunrise From My Kitchen Window

It was so beautiful outside my kitchen window this morning when the sun was coming up that I stopped to take this photo before my first cup of coffee. The view from my kitchen window on any given day in any given season can fuel an inferno of creative energy from me. Being able to plan my day with a cup of coffee and a view like this, I feel like anything is possible. I am confident and fresh as the first snow fall.

First Advent Temptation

Today all over Sweden people are celebrating the First Advent (first week in four weeks until Christmas). Every Sunday starting today and until Christmas we light one candle. Today has been great. My husband has been telling me all about the Swedish traditions for Advent and he gave me the Advent Candle Holder you see in the photo.He also made us some typical Swedish pastries to complete the occasion. If you have one of those buns, you’ll want another, trust me!

I have to admit I think it's great to be married to someone from another country besides my own; especially during the holidays. I think it's so refreshing that after ten years he is still able to show me new things every day.

We also walked out to the lake in the first real snow cover of the year. The landscape is so magnificent. The lake is already starting to freeze over in some parts, but not in others. You can see where is frozen and not by the amazing shapes made by the whole process. Sometimes it's nice to be able to look at the wonderful things that nature itself makes during this time of year. With all the
lights and presents we forget to enjoy parts of the season that are not man made.

No Time Like The Present

Today I was in Malmo and the whole city was lit up. Apparently huge light displays are for public places, not private residences here so much. The photo above shows a huge tree in the center of the city with tons of lit up presents in it. Super charming.

 

This is near the design center. To me it looks like a little Christmas Village. Very unique choices in Holiday lighting themes here in Malmo. I also loved the one below. When you look up from underneath the huge totally illuminated chandelier you can't help but feel like a sugar plum fairy or something. It is like being under a canopy of stars. Really lovely and something unexpected to make you smile. I think that is what the Holidays are about.