It was stormy and grey on the streets of Stockholm where I was visiting family last week, so for a change I was photographing the glow of a Scandinavian Christmas, but indoors.
Tastefully designed, as you would expect, Christmas here knocks the stuffing out of the predictable old tat that it often brings out in the rest of us! For Swedes there is a kind of reverence for the winter festival of light. You can understand why the further north you travel; long nights, harsh weather, deep hibernation.
Every window here is lit by a traditional candelabra. Along Hornsgaten where we soaked up the warmth of this vintage shop (Hornsgaten 64) there are wax candles and small paraffin lamps everywhere. The light of welcome, that this year has even deeper meaning.
While I was enjoying the warmth of my Swedish family and being mesmerised by my new Grandnephew, Syrian refugees continued their long march from the south to Stockholm.
Under the Christmas market in Sergels Torget there are layers of lives being lived out and stories being told with every new arrival. In the Central station Red Cross workers are in tents waiting for the next train. They now think that approximately 200,000 refugees will have arrived here by the end of 2015. The system moves people on efficiently but there is talk of closing the Bridge to Denmark which allows Sweden to be so accessible. The Swedes are feeling overwhelmed.
And you’d have to wonder how this dark cold December is affecting those Syrian children who have probably never seen snow or such dark days without a hint of sun? I hope their first Christmas in Sweden will be as beautiful and welcoming as I found it to be…….
PS This blog was re-posted from 2015
it is daunting to imagine a Swedish Christmas thru Syrian eyes.
Hope they settle happily and will one day be able to return to their homes.
Thanks Diana, daunting is the perfect word…..it's hard to see when they might be able to return. During the 1960s and 1970s families from the North of Ireland took refuge here and eventually were able to return to peace…..let's hope against hope…..
breaks my heart that we have the same old same old
I hope this first northern christmas will be filled with hope and warmth, filled with relief and marvel at the thousand lights in the darkest nights. There's a special magic in these candle lights by the windows. Your images make me dream of visiting Sweden in december.
Amelie I think everyone should experience a Swedish Christmas at least once. I'm so lucky to have my sister living there and although there wasn't any snow this time, you are so right the light and the reverence for light is always there in winter….Seasons Greetings dear Amelie, to you and your girl……
I've always wanted to visit Northern Europe at this time. The seasonal rituals with candles and all that accompanies winter there intrigues me so! On another note, I can't even imagine what the Refugees are going through. It's such a juxtaposition of lifestyles isn't it? Canada has just welcomed it's first plane load of Syrian refugees from Lebahnon and the look of relief, fear, excitement and wonder on their faces makes your heart stop and give thanks for all we have. Happy Christmas to you and your family.
And a very Happy Christmas to you and yours Kerry. Yes it blows my mind and I love the way Canadians have welcomed the refugees so while heartedly. Makes you thankful to have a roof over your head and a safe place to sleep……..
I have always wanted to travel to other countries at the holidays to experience their culture…this is one for sure. I love the sparkle and light of the pictures…the warmth of the candles. I did not know Sweden had so many refugees. So welcomed without a lot of fanfare. Here the fear continues to spawn such hateful speech. But my heart is gladdened for the Swedes and especially the refugees there. Even though it has been such a hardship for them…hopefully they will find some peace. Wishing you a Happy Solstice which is not far away now.
Wishing you a beautiful Winter Solstice too dear Donna. Yes the Swedes have quietly opened their hearts this year and typically have met the challenges in spite of everything. Wonderful people with a lot to be proud of. I hope you make it there some day, summer or winter it is wonderful….
Thank you, dear heart, for sharing this perfectly magical Christmas spot and for including your thoughts of the ones searching for their next home.
Susan It breaks my heart at times to see what people have to go through to survive. We are all walking a fine line between hope and despair at the things that are happening in the world. Sometimes the magic is in the smallest moments….which surprise and bring a chink of light…..xx
So heartbreaking…one can only have hope for them. I adore Stockholm…and their shops…and can't even imagine Christmas there. Based on what I experienced during an Easter visit…it (Easter) probably pales in comparison. Beautiful, warm images!
Robin, yes I remember that you know Stockholm. I love it at any time of the year! Northern customs and beauty are special at this time of year……story book stuff, x Catherine
What welcoming and warm photos of Sweden! I'd love to go someday. I love the European markets at Christmastime and can only imagine that the ones further north in Sweden, Denmark and Norway which must be magical. Someday-:) Thank you for keeping the subject of the refugees before our eyes. We can't forget what an international crisis this is for the PEOPLE (I get so tired of the political discussions…) I love that Canada and Sweden have welcomed weary families with such grace, such incredible grace that puts the United States to shame. Blessed Solstice to you Catherine. (My holiday newsletter had John O'Donahue's poem, Beannact–and a chance to hear him read.) You might love it. Beannact is the blessing for the new year….
Susie! First of all THANK YOU for all of your contributions to my own sanity this last year. Yes I loved the poem, especially him reading it. I also enjoyed the wonderful interview with Krista Tippet (On Being) because I need to hear his voice as I find him hard to read…..Have a wonderful Solstice my dear friend and a warm winter hibernation! I am slowly coming down and looking forward to family and appreciating the roof over my head. Much Love Catherine
I am so warmed by your post. An insight on another world. It is unbearable to think how much suffering there is around the globe at this time. I am so glad to hear of Sweden's open-hearted response, and now the overwhelm is understandable. I am angry with, and deeply ashamed of our government – I hope to do what I can for the refugees in Calais in the New Year, if only to crochet squares for blankets, but I hope also to be able to volunteer in some capacity. https://daffodilwild.wordpress.com/2015/12/04/crochet-for-calais-update/
Sandra I love your blanket project it is BEAUTIFUL!! And INSPIRING…..thank you :~)
Again another touching post. It's in my bucket list to spend Christmas, at least once, in Europe. So, it was great to read how Christmas being celebrated in Sweden.
Again another touching post. It's in my bucket list to spend Christmas, at least once, in Europe. So, it was great to read how Christmas being celebrated in Sweden.
Thanks KL! I have a greater understanding of the simplicity and the genuine need for Northern Europeans to celebrate light in every way possible:~)
Thank you for your blogs & wonderful photos through the the year, that was simply best forgotten. I wish you well in the process of your forthcoming book. How amazing. I’m sure it will be stunning & evocative. Like you my family are way way across the other side of the world. I miss them terribly. Have a lovely peaceful Xmas & May 2022 be so much better.
Dear Sue, I’ve been on a bit of a mad dash these last few weeks so apologies for the delay in replying. Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for all your support over the years. I hope we all have a much better year in 2022. Hang in there!
Even if this was re-posted from earlier, it is a good reminder of both the joys of celebrating and the importance of being mindful of those who cannot–often for reasons out of their control. I have always loved your wonderful photographs and caring stories. I hope 2022 is kinder to us all, and that we all can recognize we have the opportunity to make it be kinder. Your work and your words and you inspire me, and I thank you.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment and support! I have been so distracted by the book, but I have just handed it in, so I hope to get back to a bit of blogging soon. I hope you have a wonderful 2022 and can be very kind to yourself!!!
Thank you. I have accomplished a lot this past year, in spite of all I did not. 🙂