Advent Journey Day 19

 Every year in the midst of the demands of the Christmas season, Doug and I try to find one night when we can go down to Gamla Stan (Old Town), wander through the Christmas market and walk home while enjoying the beauty and splendor of our fair city.  Stockholm is a beautiful city no matter the season and at Christmas, even without a flake of snow, it's pretty magical.  
So today I will let my photographs speak my message. 

The gigantic Christmas tree (actually several trees molded into one) that sits out by the water in front of Gamla Stan.

Love this set up outside of a restaurant.  People traditionally put the greens on the ground as a natural place to wipe your feet before entering.

Iconic look at the famous Gamla Stan buildings with the Christmas market booths in front of them.

One of several booths in the Gamla Stan Christmas market. 

Most Swedes will eat a lot of fish at Christmas including herring of many tastes.  As for me, this photo will do! 

The korv man is always a hit!
The free samples of elk, moose, and reindeer are fun to taste.

The sign says, "You only get real kisses under real mistletoe!"
 Doug and I stole a real kiss in front of the sign while huddled under the real mistletoe.

I L-O-V-E this candle booth!  The candles are so beautiful and right now,
we need all the light we can get!

The bread booth.  Delicious Swedish rye bread on sample.  mmmm. 

Kungsgatan...one of the main drags in central Stockholm, all dressed up for Christmas!

The long view over the water across one of the bridges to
Royal Palace.  The light fixtures are laced with these beautiful white lights.
 

Always good to pause in the midst of the demands to share some love and create some memories
with the one you love the most!

Hope you enjoyed this little Jul Hälsning (Christmas greeting) from Stockholm!

Day 18: Cozy Traditions

Today we had our staff Christmas breakfast.  We all gather for a morning devotion followed by Julgröt...a rice porridge type of dish that I love.  Part of why I love it is because I don't make at home so when someone else makes it and serves it to me, it's a real treat.  The table is also filled with breads, cheese and ham.  The whole thing is finished off with pepparkakor and coffee, of course!  The chair of the church thanks us for a good year and we receive a nice gift from the church as well.  It's a cozy and pleasant way to end a busy autumn and advent season before many scatter for Christmas.  It's a lovely thing that the administration of our church does for the staff.  The effort, thoughtfulness and care given to gather us together, to pause in the midst of the crush of Christmas, and to give thanks to us for the year that has gone by is heartwarming and encouraging.  I feel thankful for being thanked today.