... the first week of advent. in sweden, this symbolise the start of days of reflection ... self-reflection, that is. a great many Swedes tend to feel a bit anxious at this time of year. they make a big deal of the things they've done during the year and of things they did not manage to accomplish for this year. this is the time of year they assess their lives - was my life had been a success, or was it a total failure? do you really care?
... the day we start decorating our homes in the spirit of christmas. not in september, not in october and not in november - at least that is what is it like in Sweden. let those advent lights in every household windows brighten up the cold and dark winter nights!
... the day christmas activities as "julpyssel och mys" takes form in every household. this is a Swedish gathering among friends, relatives or acquaintances where they work together in creating christmas decors, cards, give-aways and bake cake and pastries in time for Christmas Eve - and all these are done over a cup of warm "glögg" (a Swedish variation of red wine, somewhat bittersweet topped with raisins and hasslenuts) and yummy gingerbread.
... the weekend most Swedes are to go shopping for christmas presents.
... the day i will definitely feel the stress of all the work i have to do to keep up with the Swedish tradition of celebrating the "christmas" they know. so, wish me luck!
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