As per usual, CHRISTMAS has come and gone wwwaaaaayyyy too quickly *sad face*. However on a more positive note, I must say that this past Christmas was probably the best one I've had in years.
So for all of you more international peeps, we celebrate on Christmas Eve (this year it was a Wednesday) in Scandinavia and not Christmas Day like the rest of the world... Don't ask me why, because I'm genuinely clueless to this logic..
As I previously mentioned I am not a Christian (my mother raised me to be a hindu), but the majority of the Swedish population are all atheists, however we are big on Christian festivities like Christmas and Easter..
One tradition that is very strong in my family is going to some kind of mass on Christmas Eve (it's the only time we ever go to church, with the exception of attending weddings/funerals/christenings). As a kid we used to go to one out in Täby where my grandparents live (we always used to gather the whole family there). I used to love going to that mass because it was very much tailored for young children, they would focus on the birth of Christ (obviously), and one of the priests would come out dressed as Santa with sack in tow. It was something that everyone enjoyed.
This year however my parents and I went to the church across the street from our place, it was absolutely packed and there were a lot of kids there too (always a good sign!). Mass started at 11:00 AM sharp and lasted for about 30 minutes. After that my parents and I went for a quick run to the grocery store before heading home and preparing a Christmas lunch. After eating to a point of nearly exploding (I was full), my parents and I moved to the living room where we exchanged gifts :). I got the softest most comfortable robe/dressing gown (with bear ears) ever, which is perfect for me seeing as I'm always freezing!! I was with my mom and picked it out, but I live in it now. HAHA. Another gift I received was a tan, leather belt which was something I needed. It's not a good look to be pulling up your pants all the time... My other gifts consisted of a soap, deodorant (I think my parents were trying to give me a hint. HAHA!) and a gift card to SF (cinema)..
After that it was time for me to rush over to my aunt and cousins where MORE food and gifts waited... From one of my cousins I got a hand cream and a scented candle, might I add I LOVE candles.. and hand cream is a necessity in winter... I have quite a large stash now because I always get those kinds of products for christmas/birthdays so I have enough shower gels, body lotions etc. to last me a lifetime..
From my aunt I also got a hand cream and soap (HAHA! - Hint taken), from The Body Shop..
Around 8:00 PM I decided it was time to leave, and MAN was I full. My parents had gone over to a close family friend (Anastasia's mom). I have mentioned Anastasia previously... Anyway I decided to head over there as well and while I was waiting for the subway the first snow fell. It was absolutely magical, unfortunately I didn't get any good snaps though :(. But it was kind of perfect. Christmas Eve is the only day of the year I actually want snow, I hate the cold and dark normally. So for the first snow to fall on Christmas Eve... How perfect is that?!
At Anastasia's we enjoyed glögg (mulled wine) and some snacks. However I didn't eat much because I was STUFFED. Once midnight rolled around my parents and I jumped on the last bus home (I was so full I had to take my skirt off, HAHA. Not very ladylike I know, but YOLO, except that expression doesn't really work if you're a hindu because we believe in reincarnation...) and I went to bed very happy that night..
To summarize.. My Christmas consisted of TONS of food, great gifts and most importantly lots of laughter and great company by family and friends. I really couldn't have asked for a better Christmas so thanks to everyone who made it absolutely EPIC!!
On another note.. It's only five days left 'til New Years Eve and my best friend's wedding (what?!). 2014 has flown by in a flash, but I'm so excited for 2015.. I have a feeling it will be an amazing year!! :)
Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas/Hanukah/Whatever you celebrate...
xxx
Gaithri
I mean need I explain the amazingness of this?!
Beautiful clear, blue sky outside church..
Family love..
