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Home » Recipes » Winter

Celebrating Advent

Published: Dec 1, 2019 · Modified: Dec 11, 2021 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

Æbleskivers, jam and mulled wine on a marble surface.

In the Christian church, Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas. It is celebrated on the four Sundays prior to Christmas and is often marked by lighting a candle, one for each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day.

Despite the fact that the population of the Scandinavian countries has become more and more secular over time, Advent in Scandinavia remains an important season of celebration. It is a time to bring light and warmth to the darkest days of the year. This might mean lighting candles, or a fire in the fireplace, baking something delicious in a warm, cozy kitchen or drinking glögg in the company of friends and family.

Mulled wine in a glass mug next to an orange and pine branches.

It is ironic that as everything becomes dark, quiet and still in nature at this time of year, we run around like crazy people caught up in the busy-ness of the holiday season. The celebration of Advent creates a little space each week to breathe, to take the focus off of all of the preparations for the Big Day and simply enjoy the here and now. How might you bring light to this darkest time of the year? Maybe you begin a tradition of hosting an annual glögg party. It doesn't need to be anything fancy.....bake a batch of gingersnaps to pair with some homemade glögg and invite a few friends over. Keep it low-key and casual and simply enjoy one another's company.

A close up of a stack of Swedish ginger snaps and a cup of coffee
Swedish Ginger Snaps (Pepparkakor)

Or maybe each Sunday in Advent becomes an opportunity to slow down and take some much-needed time just for you. Take a nap or a long, hot bath. Go for a winter's walk, bundled up and cozy. Make a big pot of homemade soup. Or simply be like the trees outside, hushed and still, in a comfy chair in your living room (candles, a good book and a steaming cup of glögg might be nice here, too). Take some time to craft a Sunday Advent ritual that nurtures and restores your weary December soul.

I invite you to make the Advent season yours, to set the Christmas shopping, card writing and present wrapping aside for awhile each Sunday and simply enjoy the coziness of this time of year.

More Nordic/Scandinavian Winter Recipes

  • Crackers topped with Vegetarian Mushroom Pâtë and pickled shallots and mustard seeds.
    Vegetarian Mushroom Pâté
  • Closeup of a slice of kladdkaka on a plate next to a fork and raspberries.
    Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake (Kladdkaka)
  • Swedish semla bun closeup.
    Easy Swedish Semla (Lenten Buns)
  • Close up of Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies sprinkled with sea salt next to a glass of milk.
    Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter

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