my scandinavian home

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

Photography courtesy of @simple.slow.living, shared with kind permission.

On the 21st of December, we’ll celebrate the winter solstice—a turning point, as from then on, the days will gradually become a little lighter. Hooray! Today, in Sweden, it’s Lucia—a celebration of light, marked by a girl wearing a crown of candles, leading a Lucia train of others dressed as little Father Christmases, gingerbread men, and other whimsical characters. It’s a beautiful tradition filled with songs and Lucia bullar—delicious saffron buns.

The darkness at this time of year also means the lights are often on all day—a detail we rarely see in interior photos. That’s why I was so excited to discover Nina’s home in Hamburg, Germany and the way she captures the essence of winter indoors. Picture sheepskins draped over chairs, golden slivers of sunlight, a roaring fire, soft, atmospheric lighting, and, of course, the subtle hints of Christmas. Her house, built in 1888, provides the perfect setting, with its wooden beams, chequered tiles, and charming architectural details that exude timeless character.

I hope this gets you into a cosy mood for the weekend!