HOW TO HAVE A MINDFUL SWEDISH ADVENT FIKA | EVOLUTION OF ADVENT | MY SWEDISH CHRISTMAS CALENDAR #2

[@junevolstad444]

Could you share the name of your cake or a recipe. It looked lovely? This year I made one dessert and my mother made our favorite cookies from when I was growing up. What a difference it made nit to feel I had to do it all!

[@NorthernHeart]

Sorry I didn't see this comment sooner, but if I have recipes for the things I share, the link to the recipe is always in the description. So check that and you'll will be directed to my blog where I have recipes in English too

[@jwlundgren]

@@NorthernHeart as a non swede married to a swede, I really miss the saffran cake mix that was available when I got here 12 years ago. It has disappeared the last 2 years.

[@Print229]

I love this phrase, "No one is going to thank you for crying yourself to sleep over it." SO TRUE! You said it perfectly.

[@cjohnson4342]

Wise words because we know what stress can do to the body! I used to work full time and bake 10 dozen cookies while keeping the kids on track, the house clean and I hosted every holiday. I did all of the shopping and decorating also. I began to hate Christmas. I havent decorated or put up the tree for 5 years, my Swedish husband does. Although I am not working, I still keep it minimal. Thank you for this timely vlog. It isn't worth getting sick over for Type A personalities....

[@TheRickie41]

Well, I'm german, living in France, and I prepare a fruity spiced wine, as we don't have Glögg here in France (except Ikea's, 60 km away, lol) and I make it with cherryrum and honey, cinnamon and gloves, gingersugar, lemon' and orangepeel, and time and love. I invite my collegues to have a moment away from work ( we are all caretakers), around a table with loads of home made cookies, gingerbread, hot chocolate, Christmascoffee and -tea, candles and my very own spiced gingerwine. I try to make it a lovely break for my friends at work.

[@LMuse9]

That sounds wonderful!

[@cjohnson4342]

What is Christmas coffee? Sounds lovely, wish I had been there....

[@LMWerner]

@C Johnson Hello! It varies but usually it's mixed with the traditional swedish gingerbread (pepparkaka "pepper biscuits") spices ginger, cinnamon and cloves, but with the added bonus of cardamom aswell... So kind of a chi coffee latte-ish (if served with hot milk). But also, in generall we tend to drink dark rosted coffee in Sweden. So already a quite rich flavour bas so to speak... Hope that helps (almost a year later) Greetings from Sweden

[@martinaspohr2663]

That sounds lovely. With that said, “Merry Christmas”!

[@signewerner1310]

You deserve soooo much more viewers.. your videos are so beautifully made

[@NorthernHeart]

Naw, you're so sweet, what a kind things to say!

[@laurasavidge6637]

I agree with signe!

[@courtport6957]

I cannot agree more with this video. This year I decided that I would be very present for everything. I always lose the holidays to stress and my birthday is also a week before Christmas so I never enjoy that either. I work so hard to give my children a wonderful Christmas and this year... I’m going to enjoy the magic as well. Love this. I just discovered you this evening and now I’m binge watching your videos. ♥️♥️

[@jean6061]

I, too, used to try and get everything perfect for Christmas. What I do now is so much more pleasing. We celebrate the Advent season, including the different feast days of the church, and then we celebrate the twelve days of Christmas. So, we enjoy making and decorating cookies from December 25 until January 6 and savor our decorated tree during that period, too. It is SO much more relaxed this way and I cannot imagine ever going back to the way we used to celebrate Christmas!

[@teatopia]

I am watching this a year later during this Advent season. Your words ring very true. There is an immense amount of pressure this time of year. I fall prey to it each year. I am trying to be mindful this year and focus on the birth of our Savior and wonderful family memories.

[@laurasavidge6637]

I went crazy one year cooking a big family feast for thanksgiving... it was devoured in about 10 minutes ... I was left alone to clean up the mess. Needless to say I went out to the garage after with a beer and cigarette ( I don’t smoke) say down alone and cried at how unappreciated I felt. Since then I simplified things and chose not to take it so personally ... now I enjoy the holidays more. My favorite part is decorating for coziness because I love how it feels. Which in turn makes my guests feel cozy and welcomed.

[@NorthernHeart]

Awww, sweetie! Even though it must have been awful for you, it kinda made me laugh still. You description of the holiday madness and the empty feeling afterwards was like that of a funny comedy. The mom of the house exhausting stumbling into the garage with a cigarette and a beer, swearing and crying.

[@janlcegerl6414]

@@NorthernHeart I can't count the times that has happened to me. As i have gotten older now I offer it up and let God take care of it. Being the mother of 5 I have learned it only hurts for a little while. Merry Christmas to all.

[@martinaspohr2663]

I feel the same way..... This time of year Is suppose to be special. After years of trying to do it all and make it perfect. In fact it never was in my eyes. My boy’s always would say,” Momma it is fine”. Now they are grown and our youngest daughter now a teenager will say,”Mom it is okay”. The importance of spending time ....quality time is the most important thing. I find each Christmas has been different as with life, it changes. Better to be flexible and enjoy the journey with the ones you love. To stress if it is like everyone else. Not so important. I do love Christmas! I enjoy your video so much! It brings all too clarity of having a meaningful time together and the appreciation of how life is short. Not to squander the time we have those we care and love. So with that said ,”Merry Christmas to you and your family”! 😊🎄❤️

[@takeittodehart1507]

Maria, I totally agree for years I worked so hard to make everything perfect and I’ve finally let my family help with the food it’s so nice and when it’s over my daughter in-laws clean up that’s even better . I hope you and your husband have a beautiful holiday.

[@NorthernHeart]

Hi guys and God Jul! If you're interested in making the only cake needed of your Swedish advent fika, the soft saffron cake in the video, you can find a recipe link in the description. The recipe can be found in both English and Swedish

[@dharmendrarawat2524]

Jag kommer definitivt at prova Det..

[@abhis568]

😄😄😄😆😆😆👍👍👍

[@NorthernHeart]

@@dharmendrarawat2524 ja men vad roligt, berätta gärna om du tyckte om det eller inte :)

[@dharmendrarawat2524]

Definitivt ,planerar attached gora Det pa julafton.

[@jilljensenliving]

I miss your vlogs so much. They gave me such joy. I'm wayching them all over again. Merry Christmas from America.

[@oneeyeddog3045]

Amen! Life is so stressful. Christmas should not be. I know this video is a couple years old. Just recently started watching your channel. God bless you and all you do.

[@irenedemydova5181]

Yes, all that Christmas pressure and stress can take away all the magic! Thank you for your tips! 😍 I love #3 and #4! Soooooo important to remember that!

[@NorthernHeart]

It sure can, it's important to remind yourself what Christmas is really all about!

[@magicalcat0]

When I was little, I had exactly the same angel carussel. Reminds me childhood!

[@ForgottenWayFarms]

Everything is just so cozy!

[@flapdoodlecacklberry]

Thank you for your very very important reminder about not getting stressed out during this beautiful and magical time! 💖🎄🌟

[@lyndabond1570]

I think Christmas 🎄 should be kept simple to enjoy 😊. 👍

[@rich-ard-style6996]

Great. It's very interesting. Thank you. I love the way you are telling the background of your traditions in Sweden. I love Aldi the way Sweds decorate with natural materials from the outside. Looks never old.

[@karencorcoran4628]

Just tonight, I found your chanel. Subscribed! Love it. Watching it all now. Merry Christmas from Canada.

[@ardicesaugar5475]

Minimizing our Christmas decor this year has made me a lot less stressed. I am able to enjoy the season much more:)

[@bluecurlygirl]

Just shared this to facebook. You talk great sense girl. Also, the soft drink you speak of -I think we used to have it here years ago. Yum.

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

I love love love your Christmas advent calendar series !! It’s so beautiful and restful . Thank you for such a gift ! I’m watching it already , even though it’s only November!

[@sytiwari6894]

Julmust is THE BEST! I'm not swedish and I approve this!

[@CookALifebyMaeva]

Hello Maria! Another very nice episode, I know Glögg, I make some for Xmas, or other type of mulled wine, or cider, depends of the mood ^_^ and saffron cake, but I never even baked one so far, I have to put that on my list. And also, I didn't know about all that details about Swedish traditional Xmas food. I totally agree with what you said at the end, I tend to "less is good", I used to prepare too much before when I was hosting and got really stressed too. Now, I think simple good healthy food, less stress and a better moment with people. Oh and I also love your editing, the music, everything makes us feel at home with you :-)

[@NorthernHeart]

Thanks lovely! And yes, Glögg sure is an important part of our Christmas traditions, I just love it! I drink the no alcohol version though. I just like it the best :) And warm cider isn't a part of our traditions but I LOVE IT! Such an "autumny" and cozy beverage!

[@arela1030]

So sweet and lovely gorgeous Christmas 🎄 style,I loved Swedish stuffed,simple is beautifulness. I can wait to visit Sweden 🇸🇪 🦋🧚‍♀️🌲🌲🎄🎄Thank you so much 🙏💝🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@aryastark5170]

Now I'll try to change my preparations too, because I understood a lot after watching you. Thanks for inspiration and cozy atmosphere! 🎇🎄

[@NorthernHeart]

I am so happy to hear that, I think we all feel better if we just tried to enjoy Christmas more, and stress less!

[@sandrathomson7288]

I love this! And I have just found out from a DNA ancestry service at I have Swedish heritage ( I am Scottish)- so now I feel proud to borrow some of your customs!

[@DarkDragon332]

Totally agree with all points

[@NorthernHeart]

Nice that I am not alone :)

[@bettypannell810]

The best Christmas is the traditional, joyful, and peaceful one. 😎 The Scandinavian countries seem to have that. I really like your videos.

[@yolandacruz9201]

Wow! I really appreciate this material. It is very informative. I have not traveled in your part of the globe, but I feel like I've beeb there and have joined you in your celebration of Christmas!❄❄❄🌲🌲🌲🏂🏂🏂🎄🎄🎄

[@anotherswan]

Christmas has gone mad. Too much money spent and too much time rushing around. This year is different for us and I'm actually quite pleased. Perhaps 2020 will make us stop and think more about what is important. Thank you. Much love to you and your family from mine in UK xx

[@moniquebaumann6847]

I only discovered your channel by the beginning of this year, so I'm watching your advent calendar in 2019! It's so great and much more fun than the chocolate ones 😁 thank you for all the work that you put into this.

[@enidmelanie1]

So lovely, festive and interesting!

[@NorthernHeart]

Thank you Enid, you're always so kind!

[@jp61370]

Thank you very much for your very interesting videos. Wishing you and your family a very good Christmas and best wishes and good health for the new year.

[@MichelleCleve]

It is 23:19 here right now and I am craving all of this now. Tack för det, Maria :D

[@NorthernHeart]

Hihi, sorrryyy #notsorry :P

[@MichelleCleve]

@@NorthernHeart thanks, that makes it better 😭😜😂 haha ❤

[@NorthernHeart]

@@MichelleCleve hahahaha, I thought it might :P :P ;)

[@zedart7091]

I don’t celebrate Christmas, but i love your instagram feed and your videos are beautifully made ❤️ much love from Algeria 🇩🇿

[@NorthernHeart]

Thank you so much, that makes me really happy :) Love and God Jul right back at you!

[@Dakiniwoman]

Thank you dear... wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season

[@maureenirma2828]

I really love your videos!

[@Youngblood1934]

Those feelings you have are the human nature of “wanting to please”. That is why you should NEVER show up to anyone’s dinner, gathering or party without a gift for the hostess and/or host. Showing them that you appreciate all of their efforts is an important part of the season.

[@mian1285]

Such a beautiful video :)

[@Around_the_253]

Thank you for sharing your video.

[@jumpaslot]

Beautiful and idealistic

[@victoriaflatgard4826]

Tak for telling the truth, I believe we have all tried to present the aire of perfection all to our shigrin and frazzled selves, simple is better and so is she because with it you really do become wiser and can separate what and who is really important! Blessings 🙏 to you!

[@celineludewig987]

Love your calendars!!! So fun!

[@NorthernHeart]

Thank you a million Celine!

[@celineludewig987]

Very welcome 🙂

[@Lori79Butterfly]

Your videos are awesome! They remind me of the Danish hygge. Due to COVID Pandemic I won’t be able to attend the Santa Lucia & other Swedish Christmas celebrations at our local Scandinavian Cultural Centre.😢

[@garytaylor5273]

God jul fra uk!! I love your videos

[@kaesnow2380]

I love your videos! ❤

[@Sageandgold]

Beautiful video :)

[@amylandry]

Maria, I made this BEAUTIFUL saffron cake last Christmas and got the recipe from your website... but can no longer find it due to the link no longer working. Do you have it posted somewhere? Love from Australia! Amy

[@swishfamilyrobertson3637]

Great tips!

[@OWB-ml2ux]

I loved this!! You’re so sensible. 😘 Could you explain why you light one candle? 🤓

[@Raindrop2424]

Erana Breitmeyer i guess because it’s Advent first. So she lights the first candle. 🕯

[@mortechrome]

On the first sunday of Advent, you light one. On the second, you light two and so on.

[@ericchilver9113]

👍

[@got2dream1]

Just found your channel and I love it! Subscribed! Can you tell me where you got the little spinning candle lit decoration seen at 7:09. I have been looking for one for so long! Thank you in advance!

[@mytws]

They are Swedish angel chimes. Just google that, still made in Sweden!

[@mcc.o.4835]

American here. I'm copying this tradition and doing it here.

[@katlw136]

I would love your recipe for the apple almond cake. Could you share it? The link in the description no longer works. Thank you!

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

Can you please share your gingerbread cookie recipe?

[@dharmendrarawat2524]

Snyggt..

[@NorthernHeart]

Thanks you so much!

[@ritarajgor7199]

Nice vdo nd good information. 👍

[@IngridCat]

Hey mariaaa 🤗 May I ask you where the advent candle holder in 0:33 is from? I love it, it‘s so simple but beautiful ❤️

[@NorthernHeart]

Of course hun! I bought it second hand from Tradera, which is this online second hand market, but I think it's originally this one: www.hemslojdsprodukter.se/smide/ljusstake-4-ljus.html Maybe they know where to find it, it seem to be their brand :) And like it for the exact same reason, so beautiful in it's simplicity :)

[@giuseppecapilli4914]

Wish I can be there.

[@NorthernHeart]

Yes, advent fika sure is cozy :)

[@ma.ceciliadelacruz4128]

Your videos is tatally beautiful

[@signewerner1310]

Maria! I am trying to find the spotify playlist you showed in your video, but it isnt showing up when i search for either your name or the playlistname. Do you have a link to it? ❤️

[@NorthernHeart]

Hi hun! I I will share that in mu "music episode" ;) It's not completely perfect yet, I am still adding songs :D I promise, it will come in a few days :)

[@preethysatheesh1976]

Have you met Santa claus and received gifts during Xmas.

[@missy_riley]

Do you have Advent Fika on each of the Sundays before Christmas? Or do you do something different each Sunday?

[@hopcup4234]

Goooshh,how you a wonderfuuull person,I really want to meet you,talk with you,chat..you ara nice and good soul and heart!! :) ;) :*

[@shariwelch8760]

Could you put a link to the Christmas playlist? I searched on spotify for "All Things Green" but it didn't turn up in the results. :)

[@NorthernHeart]

Thanks for making me aware that the link isn't working, I change my social media name since then, so that's why you can't find it. Here is the right name and link, hope you enjoy it!

[@Msfeathers7]

More stressful and less mindful. So true.

[@rich-ard-style6996]

No the receipt is NOT THERE. I clicked on the link in your description.

[@Izgoy11]

Я плохо понял, что говорила девушка, но мне все равно понравилось!

[@birddog2017]

Amid hay and dung, Among dumb animals, Alone in time, While three kings follow a star, And shepherds abide in wonder, A Child opens His eyes To see rough timbers. The Celebration of Peace begins.

[@ninabeeyogi]

[@matlusagar]

Hello!I am first,would u plese give me a heart.

[@NorthernHeart]

Hello, yes you were first :)

[@Tonetwisters]

Our Christmas this year (2018), was spent taking care of our precious granddaughter and trying hard to find time to cook and wrap presents. Yes, we were worn out, come Christmas Day evening, and that ain't good! I hope your Christmas included Jesus!!

[@victoriaflatgard4826]

Oops! Age... Not she! So sorry!

[@suparnadebnath1535]

Iv seen soo many of ur vlogs, thr r nice. Bt I really wish the focus of the cerama would b more on d things u do while talking, showing d things u talk abt rather than completely focussing on ur slf while talkng coz it something tends to get v boring.. If U cld show MORE OF WHAT UR DOING WHILE TALKING, wld add more content..

[@NorthernHeart]

I am sorry you feel that way but also glad you like them. However, I am not doing much in my advent videos so there isn't anything to film. I can't film what I am not doing, if I am only talking about something in theory. If I am doing something I usually film it.

[@tomhaddon2252]

My mother used to obsess about holiday food and decorations. I think it becomes somewhat competitive with you women. Jesus would agree that only a smile is necessary... One of my favorite musicians (Harry Connick, Jr.) has a song for girls: "You are never Fully Dressed without a Smile."

[@ElsieJoy39]

No Christian content in your Advent then?

[@arela1030]

So sweet and lovely gorgeous Christmas 🎄 style,I loved Swedish stuffed,simple is beautifulness. I can wait to visit Sweden 🇸🇪 🦋🧚‍♀️🌲🌲🎄🎄Thank you so much 🙏💝🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪