Jingle Bells

In two weeks and two days it is time to celebrate Christmas (on Christmas Eve as is the tradition in Finland). The table will be covered with the most delicious foods; casseroles, salmon, salads, stew... there will be some melancholy Finnish music playing in the backgroud and the house will be full of people. Hopefully there will be a lot candles and lanters spreading light, beautifully wrapped gifts under a Christmas tree and a lot of laughter and jokes to make us all feel happy.
In two weeks and two days.
This will be the first time that I spend Christmas far away from the cold and dark north, where Christmas always comes as a relief. December is the time when streets and houses are flooded with light, when the sweet smell of gingerbread and other delicacies tickles your nose and when you finally feel that the days are getting shorter and that spring will arrive soon.
Christmas in Spain is obviously different, and at least this far I have had not been filled with any Christmas-feeling, bit if there is anything Christmas teaches us, it is that there is always hope.




Christmas markets are lovely. You can search for gifts, try some good food and enjoy hot drinks when the air gets too cold and your cheeks start turning red.

Apparently there is something organised in Valencia, so tadadadaa, we have a plan for Saturday.



Christmas without candles and other lights is not Christmas. This light in the darkness is a symbol of hope, and it gives all the energy one needs to get past the winter.



"Pepparkakor" and "Lussebullar". These are an essential part of Christmas as well; not only do they provide you with sufficient energy to get all the preparations done, but the taste of these saffron buns and gingerbread cookies brings you back to your own childhood and all the memories associated with Christmas. 9th December is the day of the "pepparkaka" and the saffron bun is especially popular on the day of Santa Lucia on December 13th.

Finding the right ingredients can be tricky, but not impossible. In case IKEA is too far away, a trip to Corte Inglés might be worthwile. Of course, the right spices will cost a fortune (last time I checked, maple syrup was about 15€), but they will still be cheaper than train tickets to Madrid/Barcelona/Murcia.



Mulled wine is great for keeping the cold away, and it goes perfectly with all those sweet buns and cookies.

Mulled wine can always be swapped for hot sangria (is tha even possible?) if everything else fails.


Christmas for me is not about the presents; it´s about the smells, the excitement, the songs and being together with my family. It´s about rememberig people, showing them that you think about them and that they are important to you.

Photos:
Lights
Ginger & Saffron
Market
Mulled Wine