How We Celebrate Winter Solstice in Northern Sweden

Today, we’re diving into the heart of winter in Sweden, celebrating the Mid Winter, the darkest and shortest day of the year. As the sun barely rises over the horizon, casting a soft glow before sinking back into the dark, we embrace the beauty of this season and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Mid Winter marks the shortest day of the year, but it also signifies the return of longer days.
• Family traditions and childhood memories come alive during this season.
• Physical activities like shoveling snow can be both a workout and a mental break.
• The joy of sauna and ice baths is a unique winter experience.
• Baking sourdough bread is a rewarding, albeit challenging, winter project.

Embracing The Darkness

The winter solstice is a turning point. After this day, the days start to grow longer, even if it’s just a few extra minutes at first. By January, we notice the change, and by February, the light returns quickly, bringing the promise of spring closer. In the heart of the dark, there’s a beauty that can only be seen when you slow down and start noticing your surroundings.

A Family Celebration

This winter feels different for many reasons. It’s our first winter as a family with our baby, August, who is already 8 months old. Time flies, and Christina and I often reflect on our childhoods and the traditions we want to pass on to him. Having a child makes you rediscover your own childhood, and it gives you a fresh perspective on it.

The Snow Dilemma

This year, we’ve had a very different winter. November and December brought almost no snow, and just a few days ago, I found myself wishing for a real snowy landscape. Then, out of nowhere, the snow arrived, covering everything in a fluffy white blanket. But with the snow comes the challenge of shoveling it.

Shoveling snow can feel like a gamble. You never know if you’re doing it in vain, especially when the weather can change so quickly. But I enjoy it. It’s a physical activity that warms you up, and afterward, you can reward yourself with a sauna.

The Short Days

With only 2 to 3 hours of sunlight, it can feel like night falls quickly. I try to be outside as much as possible during the day. It’s important to get that fresh air and avoid the heaviness of constant darkness. Shoveling snow is a break for me, a way to clear my mind and focus on something simple.

The Sauna Ritual

One of my favorite winter activities is heading to the sauna. Preparing for it involves cutting a hole in the ice, which is a long process. But once I’m in the sauna, it’s all worth it. The contrast of the freezing cold outside and the warm sauna is invigorating.

Baking Sourdough Bread

Recently, I’ve taken on the challenge of baking sourdough bread. I met a neighbor, Nicole, who offered to teach me. I’ve been curious about it for a while, but the process seemed overwhelming. I learn best by doing, so I was excited to dive in.

The first step was mixing the dough, which I did late one evening after a long day of shoveling snow. I realized I should have started earlier, but that’s just how I roll—always a time optimist.

The Baking Process

As I mixed the dough, I had to keep the temperature stable, which is tricky in an uninsulated cabin. After several steps, I finally shaped the dough and put it in the fridge to rest overnight. The next morning, I preheated the oven and prepared to bake.

It was my first time, and I was nervous. The dough didn’t look perfect, but I was hopeful. After baking, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t exactly what I envisioned, but it turned out pretty good!

Conclusion

Winter solstice is a reminder that even the darkest nights eventually give way to the sun. We still have many winter days ahead, but knowing that it will get brighter each day is comforting. Whether it’s shoveling snow, enjoying the sauna, or baking bread, these winter activities bring warmth and joy to our lives.

Thank you for joining me in celebrating this beautiful season!