Christmas 2024

We weren’t even back for 24 hours after our holiday when we bought the Christmas tree. Going on holiday in late November and early December was perfect for seeing Japan’s beautiful autumn colours. But I also missed the weeks before Christmas, preparing the house, seeing the lights in the city and watching all the Christmas films. When we came back, we put the tree up straight away with all its lights. It took about a week and a half to decorate. Honestly, if it weren’t for this photo, I’m not sure we would have found the time or energy this year. But here it is, our Christmas photo for 2024.

In the windowsill you can see one of the souvenirs we brought from Japan. It’s a bowl with dark red Japanese symbols where I’ve put oranges with cloves. In front of the chair, there’s the ottoman I refurbished earlier this year. After I got a sewing machine for my 30th birthday, I’ve done many creative projects with fabrics. I always dreamed of sewing and tried it before with an old IKEA machine, but this year it has truly become a passion. Under the tree, there are wrapped presents, including some items we brought back from Japan. There’s a kimono for my mum and a bottle of Japanese whiskey for my dad.

Christmas 2023

We went all in for Christmas this year, especially when it came to gifts. After two years of keeping things simple, we had so much fun playing Santa again. I spent weeks, maybe even months, searching for the perfect gifts for everyone.

Our Christmas tree also got a little upgrade with some new ornaments. It all started with a few decorations from the Dutch brand Dille & Kamille, and now the collection grows every year. It can be a bit tricky to get them in Stockholm in time for Christmas, but I always fall in love with their latest designs. The angels are my favourites, and they make the tree feel extra special.

After buying our apartment, we began decorating it to make it feel more like home. Our collection of candles, cushions, and blankets is slowly growing. My work inspires me with so many beautiful brands, and this year I treated myself to some candles from Svenskt Tenn for my birthday. They had been on my wishlist for ages.

The cushion on the chair is from Cathy Nordström, a Stockholm-based designer whose work I love. The glass candle holders are from Artilleriet in Göteborg. We visited the shop during Easter while in Skåne, and I finally bought more after regretting only getting one last year. It felt like a lovely treat after finding out that the collaboration with the company I was working for had come to an end.

Christmas 2022

This is how the photo turned out this year. The tree is a bit smaller compared to previous years, as you can see. What you might not notice in the photo is the biggest change, it’s taken in OUR apartment. Unlike in 2021 and 2020, when we were still renting, this is the first Christmas since we bought it and that makes it feel even more special.

Christmas 2021

This was our Christmas card in 2021. The most stressful Christmas I probably ever experienced. By the end of November, we got the news that the apartment came for sale and we did everything we could to buy it. We literally cancelled all our festive activities to save as much money as we could. On top of that we had a funeral in the Netherlands the day after Christmas. ​​​​​​​

Christmas 2020

First Christmas in Stockholm. This was our card in 2020. To follow Swedish traditions, we bought these Christmas stars for the windows. As you can see, the rest of the interior was very empty. When we moved, we sold most of our belongings and stored the rest at our parents’ homes. We only brought a few pieces of furniture and some of our favourite items with us. Over the years, we’ve made it feel like home, both in its style and by making it ours officially on paper.