Valborg in Sweden: Burn the winter away!
For Swedes, Valborg represents burning away things like winter, cold and witches. Learn more about this odd tradition & why you should go.
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Semla: The greatest of all Swedish pastries
There was once a Swedish king who died from eating 16 semlor. If you don’t control yourself, it might happen to you too.
Lost and Found in Stockholm
One thing that’s nice about Stockholm is that when you lose something, about 95% of the people will put it somewhere in the hopes that you will find it.
The Bi-Yearly Trek to IKEA
I’m sure many of you around the world shop at IKEA, and from what I’ve seen, the experience seems universally the same. Let me walk you through the classic IKEA adventure – see if this sounds familiar.
More Winter Tips
What if I told you that you there’s actually a few more ways you could enjoy the winter? That’s right, it’s possible. Just take a look!
Christmas tree plundering: Knut’s Day
Knut’s Day, January 13 – the day Swedes bid their Christmas trees farewell with the tradition of julgransplundring (“Christmas tree plundering”).
The in-between days
The days between Christmas and New Year in Sweden are what we call the “in-between” days. Here’s why they’re the best days to work.
American vs. Swedish Christmas Traditions
I get the best of both worlds as a dual citizen for the holidays. Let’s take a look at the differences between Swedish and American Christmas traditions.
Celebrating St. Lucia Day in Sweden
December 13 marks the celebration of St. Lucia day. It’s a day where children light up—sometimes literally – and sing beautiful songs of the season.
It Must Be Winter: My Hands are Bleeding
Ever have one of those days where you think, “My hand’s been hurting for 15 minutes” then you look down and your thumb is covered in blood?
5 Essential Tips for Surviving the Swedish Winter
It’s that time of year again. The “days” are dark, the coat is thicker. So here are my top 5 tips for surviving the Swedish winter.
The Annual Halloween Confusion
Just a sample from our neighborhood online group detailing how some Swedes still just don’t understand Halloween.
We put the ‘fun’ in ‘funeral’
I found this lovely display of s’mores in the image search, but was very confused when I noticed the link was associated with a blog dedicated to funerals.
The Strange World of Neighbourhood Facebook Groups
Gone are the days of peeking through curtains and whispering over fences. Now, the modern busybody takes to their keyboard.
Sweden takes its semlor seriously.
Take a peek into a Swedish workplace on Fat Tuesday and discover that the only acceptable topic for discussion is SEMLOR!
It’s So Cold, Our Mattress Froze
Today I learned that a Tempur mattress can freeze. This is something I never thought I’d have to deal with. Perhaps we should turn up the heat?
The Gävle Christmas Goat: Sweden’s Fiery Holiday Tradition
When I’m cold and thinking of ways to warm up, my thoughts turn toward the giant straw Gävle Christmas goat.
How Stockholm Public Transit Subtly Guides Commuters
The Stockholm public transit system has come up with a unique way to guide commuters in the direction they see fit.
Why is there a fish in the water?
Find out why there is a giant fish in the middle of Stockholm in 2021.
My stock photo workmates
Stock photo people are just so talented. The same people are doctors, lawyers and construction workers.