Little Scandinavian

There has already been a few Christmas parties to attend to. And it’s always nice to meet family and friends over the holiday. The older generation would always love to see the children, and to share their excitement over Christmas. So a question that often is asked is: So did Father Christmas give you anything nice for Christmas? This is said with a big smile and lots of expectation, as they know that the children receive a lot of Christmas gifts, and so the conversation can go on and on for a long time.

In Norway the gifts is handed out a little bit different. Our tradition was to keep all the Christmas gifts under the the Christmas Tree. And then Father Christmas would visit during the evening, handing out one present to each member of the family. The rest of the gifts would be labeled with “to” and “from”, so everybody could thank the giver.

Moving to the UK made a change in our tradition. All the gifts are now under the Christmas Tree, and will be opened on Christmas Eve. Since Father Christmas is busy traveling around Scandinavia on Christmas Eve, he is no longer visiting the children saying Hohoho… He’ll make it to the UK during the night sometime, and we therefor have introduced the Christmas Stocking. Father Christmas usually gives them a magazine, a film or some arts & craft things to do on Christmas Day.

So back to the question, So did Father Christmas give you anything nice for Christmas? -Yes! I got a Simpsons Magazine!

That kind of ended the conversation.

Picture above shows Santa visiting us Christmas 2003 in Oslo, Norway.

It’s still Christmas, isn’t it? Even if the sale has begun, and some of us is back to work. “Digitalarkivet” the Norwegian digital archive have launched a “Christmas Card Carousel” containing several old Scandinavian Christmas cards. I simply adore these old cards, and wanted to share them with you. For inspiration and enjoyment!

Photos: Digitalarkivet

Baking is a fine art year around in Scandinavia. But come late November, most kitchens see a flurry of flour, sugar, spices, almonds, butter, and eggs when serious Christmas baking begins.
Danish and Norwegian families bake at least seven different kinds of cookies, a carryover from the 19th century when the number reflected a family’s wealth and status. The buttery treats are packed away in tins awaiting the first Sunday of Advent and the official start of holiday entertaining. That’s when Scandinavians especially love the ritual of gathering around the living room coffee table to enjoy after-dinner coffee and a dazzling array of cookies.
We have so far made “pepperkaker” (gingerbread men). Picture to the left shows Amélie testing the result.

So! Only six to go…
The Scandinavian Dad is as we speak in the kitchen, preparing for us to make some more. On today’s baking list there is: “berlinerkranser”, “sandkaker” and “kanelstenger”

The result (and recipes) will be published later on.

Picture to the left is taken today, it’s the view from our sitting room. And it’s only 8 days left to Christmas Eve. Are you all sorted with cards, gifts, food and last but not least the Christmas outfit?
It’s snowing in London today. The sky is filled up with snowflakes, twirling slowly to the ground. I know it’s a long shot, but I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. I’ve just been to Amélie’s nativity play in School. And helping out several little girls getting ready, dressed as angels, really got me into that Christmas spirit. And then all the snow!
Then later, after a quick coffee with the Scandinavian dad in a snow covered Canary Wharf, I started thinking about the girls Christmas outfits. And as it’s so cold now I’m thinking knit / wool, velour or cord. Something warm and cozy. Most shops have had a pre start on their Winter sale already, so there is a lot of last minute bargains out there. And I need to remember to renew the pyjamas section! It’s always nice to have an excuse to buy something, and the up coming Christmas morning is a very good one! I love traditional flannel, but organic cotton is lovely too.


Mini A Ture Yannicki mauve shadow floral pyjamas set is a bedtime essential in its soft cotton and colours. Sweet dreams are guaranteed. £33 at Peace & Jam

The Tomten, by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, is a lovey Christmas fairytale written in 1962.

“No one has ever seen him but they know he’s there.”

This classic story of the gentle Tomten’s nighttime visits to all of the residents of a wintry farm has been reminding children of the promise of Spring for over 40 years. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

“And he speaks to them, in Tomten language, a silent little language that only children understand.”

Lyrical and beautifully illustrated. A Christmas bedtime treat, that your child will never grow tired of.

Visit Amazon, and why not have a look at “The Tomten and the Fox” while you’re at it?

Maileg is a danish design brand of contemporary interior lifestyle concepts established in 1999 by Dorthe and Erik Mailil.
The Maileg collection has a unique authentic look and touch. The collection emphasizes contemporary season concepts within decoration for Christmas and Easter and a seperate collection for children.
Maileg Calendar Pixy girl or boy wearing embroidered dress or dungarees with numbered pockets. They stands at 150cm and can be hung on the wall. So if you are still not sorted with the advent calendars, visit Bijou.

Photo: Bijou

NOA NOA is not available online in the UK, which is a shame as their Christmas collection this year is so gorgeous.
However one independent shop located in Surrey, NOA NOA Reigate, has taken pictures of what they stock from NOA NOA Miniature. You then need to call or email them with your request. If what you want is available they’ll ship it to all UK residents. According to a friend who has done this the customer services is fab. Visit their site for more details; NOA NOA Reigate


Photos: NOA NOA Reigate, the NOA NOA Christmas 2009 collection

With December just around the corner it could be an idea to check out your child’s wardrobe, and order what you need online (if you are not bothered with running around chasing for that special outfit).
I’ve started browsing, and found a few stylish in a casual way items from danish designer brand bombiBitt.
BombiBitt have bright and lovely clothes in a casual and functional way, for boys and girls at the ages of 0-10 years. Besides children’s clothes, bombiBitt also offers toys for both boys and girls; huggingly cute soft toys.
And I’ll sneak in a picture from their AW09 collection as well. I can’t resist!
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Swedish Mini Rodini designs fashionable, modern, high-quality clothes for children between 0-11 years. The brand was born in year 2006. Ranging from basic cotton t-shirts to luxurious leather jackets and cashmere sweaters. They have their own boutique in Stockholm and are represented in 90 independent shops and department stores around the world. Founder Cassandra Rhodin is a Swedish fashion illustrator with clients like H&M, Nylon,Urban Outfitters and ELLE.
Among the Mini Rodini AW09 collection are sparkly spangled leggings, screaming notes, love squids, volcanoes, gorillas, peacocks and harlequin prints. At Mini Rodini the prints are unique, funny and unisex.

Update your child’s wardrobe with a shiny hot red down winter jacket £58
or effortlessly cool and a little bit retro “stand out from the crowd” faux fur hat, and if you only would by one piece this season it surely has to be this tactile accessory. £23

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