Embracing the Festive Season
Scandinavian traditions, herbal cocktails, and joyful activities to create unforgettable memories this Christmas…
The festive season is a magical time filled with joy, warmth, and the spirit of togetherness. As we approach Christmas, it's the perfect opportunity to infuse your celebrations with a touch of Scandinavian charm, craft delightful drinks, and enjoy festive activities that create lasting memories. In this blog post, we'll explore some Scandinavian festive traditions, share simple and seasonal drink recipes featuring herbs that can be grown inside, and suggest a range of activities to keep your loved ones entertained throughout Christmas time.
Scandinavian Festive Traditions
Scandinavian countries have a rich history of festive traditions that add a unique flair to the season. Embrace the cosiness of "hygge" by incorporating elements such as handmade decorations, warm lighting, and a focus on togetherness. Consider making your own Scandinavian-inspired ornaments or crafting a beautiful wreath using natural materials like pinecones, berries, and sprigs of greenery.
Add creative flair to your sweet treats by baking gingerbread– remembering to save some for Santa, of course. Whether you dress gingerbread people in festive frosting or see who a budding architect through gingerbread houses. Baking and decorating cookies is is a great way to get the who family involved. Traditionally, in early January to mark the end of Christmas, families gather around their gingerbread house to smash it up and eat it. A sweet way to mark the end of Yuletide celebrations and look forward to the year ahead. Merry Christmas, or as said in Swedish, God Jul!
Herbal Cocktails
Elevate your festive gatherings with refreshing beverages that are not only delicious but also incorporate herbs that can be easily grown indoors from your favourite windowside plant pot. Growing herbs indoors not only provides fresh ingredients for your drinks but also adds a delightful green touch to your festive décor.
Festive punch is a great idea for gatherings as it can be mixed together, in a large serving bowl or container, ahead of time for guests to enjoy at their leisure, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones. Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started:
Rosemary Cranberry Sparkler (Cocktail)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup vodka or gin
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary syrup
- Sparkling water (amount down to personal preference)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Minty Citrus Delight (Mocktail)
Ingredients:
Joyful Festive Activities
Keep the festive spirit alive with a variety of activities for your loved ones to enjoy. Gather your nearest and dearest and enjoy our suggestions for creating heart warming memories for the whole family.
Festive Movie Marathon
Fairy lights on. Hot chocolate and cosy wool blanket at the ready. The perfect way to calm the excitement on the lead up to Christmas is to settle down and enjoy everyone’s favourite Christmas films. Whether you are a fan of the timeless classics, or latest festive releases, Christmas storytelling will always fill your home with joy and wonder.
Winter Stroll
The perfect post Christmas Dinner activity. After the home cooked goodness has been thoroughly enjoyed, and the Christmas cracker jokes less so, bundle up in cosy coats and scarves and head out to enjoy a refreshing walk. You can encourage younger ones to forage for greenery, or pinecones, which can be used as festive tablescape beauty, or made into pieces of art to reminisce about for years to come.
Ornament Crafting
Elevate your decorations with handcrafted charm. In preparation, head to your local craft store to gather supplies, such as felt, recycled paper, and biodegradable glitter. Once your loved ones have arrived, it’s time to let their creativity run free! From traditional baubles to personalised trinkets, each creation will hold a special place on the tree and in your hearts.
Posted: 22.12.23