7 of our Christmas traditions...

ADVENT CANDLE:
We count the days before Christmas using candles, a tradition from the Scandinavian side of our family. One candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, two are lit on the second Sunday and so on, total of 4 candles are lit up. We create a different set up each year, using block candles or long stick candles with ornaments, greenery and festive ribbons.

ADVENT CALENDAR:
Advent is the period before Christmas, we also count down the day using a calendar made of 24 bags or boxes. In each box, bag or envelop there is a little present, candy, personal message. The little notes could be a message of appreciation and gratitude or something to do on the day like watching a xmas movie and drinking hot chocolate or going to the book store to pick up a new story book about the holidays or choose a new ornament for the tree… Have a look at my advent calendar filler list!

LETTER TO SANTA:
Every year, the girls love to write the letter to Santa and decorate with glitter and stickers. We send it to Lapland to Santa’s office. I have been secretly keeping all the letters for memory to cherish. We keep it simple but if you look online there is loads of options to get a personalised answer from the big red man itself! It can be via email, posted letter, or even video call… Have a look at Portable North Pole , Polar Post (for next year though it takes planning ahead) or Message from Santa App for exemple…

GINGERBREAD EERYTHING….
The girls love pepperkaker the swedish gingerbread taste, we get all our supplies from Ikea. Read more about Ikea and baking with kids.
They have the gingerbread house kit, the gingerbread heart ornaments for the tree, the gingerbread cookies all ready to use. Super easy, convenient and well priced! We also get the frozen gingerbread dough, easy to bake and it brings the most amazing christmas smell into the home. Of course you can also found a variety of kits at local supermarkets. It’s a fun festive activity for the kids to enjoy!

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND FESTIVE EVENTS
Dubai offers so many exciting festive events around town. Every year we visit one hotel or resort to view the Chrtistmas Tree Lighting ceremony, to get us in the holiday sprit. This year, we experienced Bab Al Shams festive season with a visit from Santa arriving via the desert along a camel - a lovely tradition. We loved the gorgeous tree and enjoyed the festive souk while sipping on mulled wine and hot chocolate. Another favourite is Madinat Jumeirah festive set up, don’t miss this December 11th from 6pm the tree lighting hosted by Kris Fade, a visit from santa, carols and all the festive fun! For more ideas on how and where to celebrate the holiday season with kids this December check out QIDZ_UAE app.

SETTING UP THE TREE, A FESTIVE AFTERNOON
This is definatly the highlight of the season, a whole afternoon of christmas carols, home decoration and festive treats together as a family! We love collecting ornaments from previous travel, from family gifts or made by the girls… it’s bit eclectic but it’s memory. Some of my favourite _ a photo of our dog Hugo in a little frame, a star from our trip to Kenya, handmade stockings from my grand mother, little “swedish santas” from my hubby’s childhood.

This year, we are travelling to our home in Sweden, so we get to do it all over again 48h before Christmas… It will be fun and hectic! While we use an artificial christmas tree in Dubai, back home it will be a real tree, so we get to experience both! And a fire place… Where are you spending Christmas? Love your feedback, leave a comment below. :)

CHRISTMAS SCENT, HOME SWEET HOME
Are you looking for a wonderful Christmasy scent for the house... Like ginger bread or mulled wine simmering in the kitchen. Have a look at this from Real Simple , a favourite is “simmer a pot”. If you are looking for an activity to do with the kids, check into pinterest for Christmas Pomander, it is so lovely!!! A Pomander is a fragrant and festive decoration you can display at home, or give as a holiday gift or to keep the children busy … basicly Pomander balls are a fancy term for oranges spiced with cloves that make your home smell amazing for the holidays.

Happy Holidays everyone! Wishing you and your family a magical festive season. xx