Christmas Eve is the main day of Christmas celebrations in Sweden. That's also when 'Santa' (Jultomten) comes knocking on the door here... (well, at least where there are children...) (As we're rather close to the North Pole, I guess it's only logical that he stops by here first, before he goes on to drop things down chimneys in other countries...)
Yesterday, I woke up to find a much nicer day outside than expected: Bleak sun shining, a very thin layer of powder snow on the ground, trees white with frost again, and temperature hovering around -5°C (~23°F). As I also woke up fairly early, I decided to walk into town and resume my (sometimes) tradition of attending a short 'nativity' service in the old 17th century church there, at 11 am. The time suits me well when spending Christmas on my own (and if it's also a nice day for a walk). Now I hadn't been since 2019, though, because of the you-know-what...
It's a short service with focus on the (Sunday school) children. Some traditional hymns and songs are sung, the nativity story from the Gospel of Luke is read - and then re-told again in simpler words for the children, who then also get to sit up front by the church's nativity set, and also get to help place the figures in the crib.
I did not go up front afterwards to have a closer look at the crib this year, but I did in 2019, so here is that photo again:
On my way back home, I took a little detour along the river in the city centre. It was a perfectly still and frosty day. (Icy streets, but I had my studded winter boots on, and had also brought one of my walking poles for extra safety in tricky places.)
Looking back at the church I had been to.
Looking in the other direction
Walking along the river, on the opposite side from the city park, with the temporary art exhibition that I've also showed from other angles in a couple of earlier posts.
You can see the sun is very low here this time of year, even around noon!
My own nativity set at home. It sits on a shelf in my study.
Angelic choir singing on the window sill, also in my study. They're all gifts from friends. The second from the left I've had since early childhood, the others have come along one by one in later decades...
In the afternoon, I had a Skype video chat with my brother, as has also become a tradition (even before the pandemic) when we don't meet in person at Christmas.
Today, back to grey and slushy weather, which I'll take as an excuse to just be lazy and stay in and read and watch old favourites on TV/DVD etc.
Happy Christmas to all friends around the world, however you're celebrating (or not)!
your city is always beautiful, no matter the sun or no sun or low sun. these are beautiful. you always have lovely reflections no matter what the day looks like. the church is worth going in just as it sits and with the children and The Story even better..
ReplyDeletewe are doing today what you are doing, just stuff
Sandra, I was happy we got sunny and wintry weather for Christmas Eve :)
DeleteBeautiful photos, but oh, how cold it looks! It makes me shiver! In contrast it has been a beautiful sunny day here with temperatures in the low 20's. When I came home from Christmas lunch with friends, I sat out in the garden, in the sunshine, for a short time.
ReplyDeleteThe church is a lovely building, and compared with most of those here, so simple and with a feeling of tranquillity. I'm not a churchgoer but that simple, and short service appeals to me.
CG, as there was no wind, it didn't feel all that cold - when dressed right! ;)
DeleteI love how you have snow at Christmas, it's hot hot hot here, I'm guessing you take the poles out walking so you don't slip over? Good idea, stay safe.
ReplyDeleteAmy, the 'Nordic' walking/hiking/trekking poles are a common exercise tool used all year round here nowadays. When not slippery outside I don't normally use them when going into town (not practical when you go shopping etc) but when there is snow/ice on the ground in winter I've found it a good compromise to take one pole for extra safety, but leaving the other hand free to carry things etc.
DeleteMerry Christmas, dear Monica!
ReplyDeleteIt is spring-like here at 12-13C, and it was sunny yesterday. It would have been good walking weather, but I did not have time for a walk.
Church will be today, with O.K. and the village band providing the music, then a festive meal at his sister‘s. And back to work tomorrow morning…
It is nice that you and your brother get to see each other at least via skype.
'Busy' holiday for you this year, Meike! (and for most other working people too, with Christmas coinciding with the weekend...) Hope you'll have an enjoyable day, leaving you with good memories.
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