image shows person lounging under sun umbrella in the snow

5 Essential Tips for Surviving the Swedish Winter

It’s that time of year again. The “days” are dark and shorter, the coat is thicker, and we’ve already had our first snowfall. Living here for over 24 years, I’ve learned a lot about how to make it through the long, dark winters. So, if you’re new to Sweden or just need some survival tips, … Read more

image shows comment feed on Facebook discussing whether kids can trick or treat in a Swedish neighborhood

The Annual Halloween Confusion

And so it begins again. The annual confusion over the correct day for Swedes to celebrate Halloween. This is just a sample from our neighborhood online group. Allow me to translate:  -Can kids go on Halloween and ring on private people’s doors October 31st? -Yes, anyone that has a lit pumpkin in front of their … Read more

image of the top of my head in a bathroom mirror that I am too short to reach.

These are some tall people

Once again, I’m reminded of how I will always be different than the majority of Scandinavians by simply trying to look at my own face in the bathroom mirror at a Swedish hotel.  I also can’t look out of the peephole in the door without standing in my toes. 

Magic phone bags

No phones are the norm for comedy performances these days. But in Sweden everyone is such a rule follower that it’s enough to simply ask us not to use our phones.

Why a goat?

Why are goats a thing in Swedish Christmas? Let’s look at the historical lore on the origins of the Christmas goat.