There are just eight days left until Christmas—are you ready (if you celebrate)? I have to admit, things are feeling a little chaotic here. I’m way behind, but hey, at least the tree is up and twinkling away! That counts as a solid start, right? I’m holding out hope that in the coming week, a little Christmas magic will swoop in and get everything sorted.
In the meantime, I’m taking a deep breath—and a good dose of yuletide calm—from the beautiful Swedish kitchen and dining space of Victoria Oderland in Åsa, a small coastal village in the countryside near Gothenburg.
This cosy living area is brimming with all the charm of a traditional Swedish Christmas: an adventsljusstake glowing softly in the window, candle wreaths suspended overhead, and a warm glow from plenty of candlelight. But there’s one decoration in particular that really stands out—something quintessentially Scandinavian: the Julbock (Christmas goat!). Stay tuned for more on this festive icon!
Have you seen one of these guys before? The Julbock (yule goat) is a Scandinavian Christmas tradition with roots in Norse mythology and pagan harvest rituals. Initially linked to Thor’s goats and fertility symbols, it later became part of Christian Christmas celebrations. Traditionally made from straw and tied with red ribbons, the Julbock symbolized good fortune and holiday spirit. Today, it is a cherished holiday decoration, and can be seen on tables, windowsills and doorsteps. Do you have something like this in your country?
So pretty! I love the atmosphere, I so hope my house can feel like this by the end of the week.
Oh, and did you spot the guy on the kick sled? This form of transport is particularly popular in the countryside further North where they get plenty of snow, it's a great way to get around!
Is there anything from Victoria's home that you loved in particular? If you'd like to see more, head over to her inspiring instagram feed
@simple.slow.living.
Would you like to see a few more homes with a festive touch today? Check out the
Christmas archive.
Have a happy start to the week!
Niki
Such a warm and inviting home. The kitchen is especially nice; I love the cabinetry and hardware. The fireplace is unique and adds a great deal of charm. The simple decorations highlight it so well. I have never seen a kick sled!! I'm not sure how that works!! : > )
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing out all these lovely details. I've never seen a kick sled here in the south of Sweden, but one of my friends has one at her holiday cottage north of Stockholm - it's great fun and makes it so easy to get about the village and forest trails when the snow arrives. Her Mother grew up in the remote cottage and used the kick sled to get to her school 10 km away fr a young age each morning and evening - in the dark. Imagine?
DeleteDinner at that table with that window view would last for ever! I love that you bring out little traditions of the people of the North. So interesting to learn about them and their beautiful homes.
ReplyDeleteOver here, outdoor lighting is huge...and one can guess. Takes out the mystic of the winter nights. Inside its poinsettia, garlands, stockings, wreaths and in some homes, nativity scenes. a bit on the higher side:) Another reason I look forward to the homes you share.
I haven't put up my tree as yet, still sitting on the patio bench. We had guests last week and ongoing restoration work. School until end of this week. Things are slow here this year. Take it as it comes.
Thank you so much for sharing the decorating traditions from your country. There's no rush, I agree take it as it comes. In the olden days in Sweden they used real candles on the trees, so the trees needed to be really fresh to avoid a fire. They'd therefore only bring them in on Christmas Eve (the day they celebrate Christmas).
DeleteWe don't have kick sleds here, but I would love to try one out!
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty, pretty home. Just looking at the pictures makes me think that there must be good smells of baking going on. :)
We have a couple of small Christmas goat ornaments on our tree. They were gifted to us by a friend of my husband (I think her family has Swedish heritage). They are charming, and I appreciate that you highlighted their history.
I love that you have a select few cherished ornaments on your tree, they sound so pretty!
DeleteI so love the kitchen and all the lit candles throughout. Uncomplicated and beautiful. The kick sled must be a great way to get exercise! Enjoyed the history of the Julbock. I think here (US), most traditions have been passed along from previous generations, depending on ancestry. For me, a Christmas tree (of any dimension!) is quite important. Borrowing from colonial times, many homes throughout the Northeast add candles (electric or battery operated) to each window which looks really lovely from the outside after dark.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these traditions with us - everything sounds truly lovely.
DeleteTraditional Christmas celebrations bring warmth and joy, featuring decorated trees, twinkling lights, and festive gatherings. Families exchange gifts, sing carols, and share hearty feasts, often centering around age-old customs. It’s a time to reflect, give thanks, and spread love.
ReplyDelete