Winter’s ABC

Dear reader,

Earlier, I compiled a list of Autumn's ABC, and I've done the same for winter. With just a few weeks until the big holiday, I want this list not just to reflect Christmas but the whole winter, which is at least here in Scandinavia very, very long. So instead of spending the next four months longing for spring, I'll immerse myself in the delights of winter.

A - Art. There is nothing better to do when winter winds are howling than spending the evening at a museum.

B - Body retinol. I find that my body needs some extra pampering when the temperatures drop and the air goes dry so I want to try the body retinol from Mantle.

C - Calm Christmas Podcast. Beth Kempton keeps me company this run-up to Christmas reminding me of the importance of slowing down and enjoying the season.

D - Design history. I bought an advent calendar from Svenskt tenn for the Christmas countdown. Behind every door, there is an illustration of a Svenskt tenn classic.

E - Eyeliner. I have had a very minimal approach to makeup over the years but now I long to go back to perfecting the eyeliner wing.

F - Fake fur hat. I don't know if this is the spur of some major identity crisis or a long-term investment. But I’m going to see if I find one I like second hand.

Body retinol from Mantle

G - Glow up. My gym is doing a huge update of the yoga room and from January I'll be able to go to Hot yoga classes. I'm beyond excited.

H - Hairbrush. The French brand Buly 1803 makes, amongst other things, lovely hairbrushes. I would really like to have one with my new initials on it.

I - Inner dialogue I realised when I was reflecting on autumn that my inner dialogue is much kinder than it used to be. I hope that I'll be able to keep this up because it's much easier to face difficult things when you get support.

J - Jojoba seed oil. A common topic among friends this season is what we are to do about our skin that is starting to crack and flake as we trad through the icy city streets. My favourite remedy is the Birch Recovery Face Oil from Björk and berries.

K - Kajutan. I have lovely Chistmas lunch booked at Kajutan in Saluhallen with a couple of friends that I'm very much looking forward to.

L - Lighting candles. It's a sure way to drive away any distress that arises from the fact that the sun sets at four.

M - Musikhjälpen. Running until December 15.

Advent Calendar from Svenskt tenn

N - Newsletter. Julia Hichens has quite recently started writing a newsletter, Arts and tea, which I'm loving at the moment. Every letter is so carefully crafted and you can feel how much love and effort she's put into it.

O - Old new bag. My mom reminded me that I had this gorgeous bag at her home that I found in a second-hand store on Magasinsgatan several years ago. Now it’s with me on every stroll through town.

P - Phoenix-rises-from-the-ashes moment in time now and I feel strong enough to take control over things in my life.

Q - Quote I come back to: "It is possible to choose peace over worry"

R - Rituals. A ritual is something quite different compared to routines. It has more to do with the soul and I’m committed to cultivate more rituals during winter.

S - Short stories. I devour Christmas short stories this time of year and even make my husband read them to me in bed before we go to sleep.

T - Thermal layers. The winter winds are no joke in this city so you need your base layers to stay warm. I like the heat tech range from Uniqlo since I find the quality and function immaculate.

My old new bag

U - Undying classic. I saw that Stadsteatern is showing Wuthering Heights in the end of January. But it's not just your usual show where the actors are on the stage no, there is no division between stage and salon. As an audience you participate in the world that has been built up. Thrilling no?

V - Vänninnorna på Nordiska kompaniet by Ruth Kvarnström-Jones is on my reading list.

W - Winter run. I never run during the winter time but a couple of weeks ago I had this urge to go for a run. So I dressed in several layers and went out and since then running has been a part of my workout routine. So if you are a runner but like me have been hesitant to get out I encourage you to try. Be wary of any ice patches!

X- Xmas tunes. This is my favourite playlist right now: Instrumental Christmas Jazz

Y - Yearly review. I’m very proud of myself during 2024 and I feel excited for 2025. I feel that great things will be accomplished during the new year.

Z - Zen mode. I look forward to spending a few quiet days around Christmas with my loved ones.