Remembering Our Roots

I remember the early years of decorating for the holidays.  

Fresh out of college and with little budget to spend on holiday decorations, I resorted to frugal solutions. Aluminum cookie cutters hung from the branches of my tree on tiny plaid ribbon loops. Pinecones collected from under the giant pine trees in my parent's front yard were nestled in baskets and intertwined with strings of white twinkling lights. 

I couldn't wait to be able to afford to invest in holiday decorations that I would keep and treasure in future years. 

Each year, I would notice certain themes in holiday decorating.

While it was fun to enjoy these trends, I decided that I wanted to invest in decorations that would be meaningful to my family for many years.

It was at this point that I decided to look to my past for inspiration.

Most of my ancestors from my mother's side of the family were from Sweden.  

I had very fond childhood memories of Christmases spent in Minnesota for family reunions.  

My mother's annual Swedish dinner on Christmas Eve has always been a favorite holiday tradition and each year, my children enjoy the tale of Santa Lucia.

I wanted to keep this heritage alive for my family, so we began collecting Swedish holiday decorations and have enjoyed learning more about our roots!  These decorations have enhanced our family traditions.  They provide inspiration each year to pause and reflect on our heritage.

Let me share a few favorites with you:

Our trusty Julbok (straw goat) that guards the presents under our tree from sneaky peekers

Santa Lucia and her court

Numerous groupings of authentic Swedish wood-and-woolen or straw figures

But the part our family loves most is the countertop Swedish tree that proudly sits in our kitchen each year, paying respect to our heritage. We have loved collecting Swedish treasures to add to our small tree.  It has become a very meaningful family tradition.

As you decorate this holiday season, why not bring a little of your past into your celebrations?

Love, live, and create intentionally,

Kristi