Swedish Christmas Celebrations

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Julmarknad at the American Swedish Institute

I love the holidays. One of my favorite holiday traditions is a new one, it’s visiting the American Swedish Institute for Julmarknad.  The Best-Good Friend and I buy treasures made by local artisans in the craft market and then take our time exploring the Turnblad Mansion. During the holiday season, the mansion’s rooms are decorated to celebrate the holiday traditions of Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden. This annual Christmas Rooms celebration is truly the “Only in Minnesota” holiday experience they strive for.

It was easy to get in the holiday spirit walking the rooms. Norway’s design screamed of holiday cheer:norway christmas display

And Iceland’s made me want to curl up by the fire with my knitting (do you see the sweaters in the picture?):
iceland christmas display

Sweden’s room made me think of the fairytale “The Ice Queen” that The Mother used to read me:
sweden christmas display

And I tried to figure out if anyone would notice if I took one of the straw animals home with me, aren’t they cute?
straw animals

The Turnblad Mansion takes my breath away, don’t forget to look up because there’s more to see than the Christmas Rooms:
ceiling lamp

This tea set by Minnesota artist Marnette Doyle was on display in the sunroom. Isn’t it beautiful?
marnette doyle tea service

We wondered if we could recreate this look in our dining rooms:
denmark christmas display

I love a display where squirrels are king:
christmas squirrel king

What are your favorite holiday traditions?
sweden christmas display

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By Heidi Van Heel
Heidi Van Heel

Heidi Van Heel

Writer, freelancer, and believer in magic living in Minneapolis. In my free time, I love reading, exploring the great outdoors, and experimenting in the kitchen.

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