Can you believe it's December already? Do you have that Christmas feeling yet? In Finland, we celebrate the start of the month with something called 'Little Christmas'. Children get a small present left for them at the doorstep by Santa's elves, and we decorate the house and set up the advent … [Read more...]
5 Books for Christmas
There is still time to get last minute Christmas presents, and what would be better than a book? Books make perfect gifts for those members of your family or friends who are the most difficult to buy for. Books also make excellent treats for yourself during the holidays when we all should have a … [Read more...]
Finnish Christmas and Heirloom restaurant, and the Savoy…
I rashly promised someone over on Facebook that I'd blog the recipes for my Finnish Christmas vegetable bakes... sadly I never got round to it this year, but perhaps in 2015? I see from my archives that I have blogged several times about my Finnish food traditions (with pictures), so until next … [Read more...]
Sylvian joululaulu – my favourite Finnish Christmas song
Since I introduced you to one of the most common Finnish characteristics, melancholy, below, I though I'd share with you my favourite Christmas song which never fails to make me weep (yes, weep, not cry).This carol, called Sylvia's Christmas Song, is based on a poem by Finnish poet Zacharia Topelius … [Read more...]
Christmas preparations…
Michael Bubbles Christmas CD on; Daughter making mince pies, ginger bread biscuits and Finnish christmas star pastries; a full glass of some rather excellent M&S mulled wine on table in front of me...Christmas must be getting close.Micheal Buble - isn't he just lovely?As always, at this stage, … [Read more...]
Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey
I was immediately gripped by the narrator's voice in this novel. The tragedy of Maud's slow but inevitable descent into dementia is heart-breaking, as is the tale of her post-war youth, which keeps popping up in her scrambled mind.Maud is most worried about her friend Elizabeth who is missing, but … [Read more...]
Finnish Pop-Up Shop in Camden, London
If you happen to be in London at the end of November, why not visit Finn-Guild's exclusively Finnish Pop-up shop in Camden for Christmas gifts with a difference?What is it?A sale of books, new titles (in both Finnish and English), Finnish goodies, such as famously moorish Fazer chocolate, rye … [Read more...]
Should you ever defile a book?
Because of the present economic situation, The Englishman and I had decided on a giving each other just small Christmas gifts this year. So when I saw a package looking like a thick book, I was thrilled. When I opened the wrapping paper, this is what was inside.I have to admit that I'm more of a … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas – Hauskaa Joulua!
Today is Christmas Eve, which is when we Finns (and all the other Nordics) celebrate Christmas. In our household we've been doing two Christmases (Finnish and British) pretty much since I moved to the UK some 30 years ago. This year, Daughter has been cooking most of the Finnish foods. Her … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview with Santa!
Even thought he must be incredibly busy right now, Father Christmas still manages to take time out for an exclusive interview!Ho, ho, ho…!I must thank the staff at Guild Travel for finding this fab YouTube clip! … [Read more...]
