A little bit of Swedish Christmas

Yesterday on our trip to IKEA I saw a lot of Swedish ornaments and I decided it was time to use our second christmas tree this year.  This is a whole Swedish tree and is sitting in the corner of out dining room.  Here's a close-up of a traditional Swedish ornament:

The straw ornaments are very traditional, as are the tomte's hanging from it.  Don't know what a tomte or tomten is?  See my post from last December.

Straw animals are popular too -- darn forgot to photograph our big straw reindeer!  But here is a picture of a cool straw wreath I bought at IKEA:

Pretty cool, huh?  And more Swedish Christmas info will follow.  I'm having the traditional Swedish Christmas dinner for all of Pete's family at my house this year, so I'll be sure to blog about that too!  And if you want to read more on your own, Pete's Mom got me the book Swedish Christmas by Catarina Lundgren Astrom a few years ago.  It has a lot of recipes for Swedish holiday goodies as well as some info on the traditions.

And I'm collecting info on Dala Horses too!  More on that soon!

Comments

[Michelle]

What a lovely tree! I have to tell you I love your red wall too.

[jillian]

Your second tree?? Who are you, Ms. Stewart? :) I *heart* IIKEA as well, and the wreath is lovely. I've never thought to go there for holiday decor of any kind!

[--Deb]

That straw wreath is so cool, it's beautiful!

[eyeleen]

I love the straw wreath, and your tree looks great against that red wall.

[Christie]

that wreath is so nice! you can leave it like that or stick a little hollyberry in it...

[Tina]

Hi there! I agree, you have a very nice (and Swedish looking) Christmas tree.

I'm looking forward to reading all about your traditional Swedish Christmas, maybe I'll learn some new recipies? :)

Tina
Stockholm/Sweden

[Carolyn B]

another book - out of print but available from some used book dealers: Once Upon a Christmastime by Thyra Ferre Bjorn