Celebrating a Swedish Christmas...

 

I embrace my Swedish and Scandinavian Roots.

 

When I was little.. my Grandma Wright would make Swedish Meatballs. 

Her Grandmother was from Sweden.

It was an authentic recipe.

 

 I always loved those meatballs.. and also the Swedish Pancakes my Mother always made.. so I thought for sure I would like all different types of Swedish food.

 

At least... I think I would....right??

 

Many different types of food are very trendy to eat here in the states.

 

Namely.. Sushi. Thai and Indian food.

 

And I can't stand ANY of the three.

 

Even though I LOVE almost any kind of Seafood.. eating it raw is just not my thing.

 

Any Sushi I have had all tastes like Sea weed.

 

Bleck.

 

I will refrain from describing what I think of each of those foods.. because I am sure most of you like those foods as well.. and you might not if I tell you what I think of them.

 

So....back to my story....

 

I worry about traveling the world. 

 

Not only do I worry about getting lost, kidnapped or losing my passport and or Visa... I worry about not being able to get back into the USA -- and being stuck in a foreign place forever.

 

 I also worry about time I would have to be in an AIRPLANE in the air --

( pretty sure I would have to be drugged to make it )

but.. yes...I also worry that I would starve if I visited a foreign country.

 

Yes.. I worry about food.

 

The only foreign food that I know to LOVE is German.

 

Three cheers for Germany!!! 

 

I know I can visit.. and I won't starve.

 

That's the only non-American food that I know I like.

 

I'm pretty sure the Chinese food I love to eat -- isn't really Chinese.

 

It's really American Chinese.

 

So.. basically..yes... I am picky.

 

Even though I don't think I am.

 

When I think of traveling to Europe.. I think all I would be able to eat is bread, bread, and more bread and pancakes.  ( Which isn't so good on my waistline )

 

I know I am Naive about Europe.

 

And food.. and.... traveling.

 

But.. I am pretty sure that I will either travel to Norway/Sweden or Germany within the next 2 years.. so I am trying to educate myself a little more.

 

And save up some $ too!

 

********

 

My Step Aunt Tina -- married my Uncle Richard and moved here from Sweden last year.

 

I know she loves it here... but misses Sweden very much also.

 

This was her first Christmas away from Sweden.. and her children.. so she decided to make the best of her situation.. and share some Sweden with all of us.

 

We went to her home 2 days before Christmas.. and celebrated her culture.

 

 

 

 I fell in LOVE with this Vintage Santa.

 

I had Chad take a picture of it.. because I thought it was so amazing.

Tina told me that it was her Grandfathers.. so indeed it was an old treasure.

The Santa stands under the tree and watches over the gifts -- so curious children do not peek.

I wonder if this is what's next for the USA -- when the " Elf on the Shelf" hype dies down.

 

Too fun.

 

I was taking pictures of her cute decorations.. and fell in love again -- with the red candelabra in the center of the table.

 

If I go to Sweden.. I am bringing me one back home.

 

Yes.. I love it that much.

 

Tina and her sister prepared enough food to feed an Army! 

 

 I didn't even get pictures of everything we ate.

 

Lots of fish.. prepared in all different ways.

 

I liked everything I tasted.  Some things I loved.

Tina schooled me about gourmet cheese.

 

This is very bad... because I loved it.. and kept eating it.

 

I went back and sat by my sister Erin and told her.. that I think I will fair very well in Europe as long as there is cheese and bread.  ~ And but of course Erin reminded me that I would have other issues/problems :

( being too blocked up ) lol!

 

Maybe I will just have to make sure I eat a lot of raisins or something like that -- so my body can handle it.  ha ha!

It's worth it.

 

I love that cheese too much!

Tina's deviled eggs were completely different that the way we do it in America. 

 I actually liked it with the caviar on it.  Who knew??

The desserts.  Oh. my.Yum.

Seeing and Tasting St. Lucia buns was awesome! 

 During the party I kept thinking of my friend Emma in Norway.. and my friend Linda in Sweden.  Eating this food and being surrounded by all of the traditions made me feel close to them.

Everyone gathered around eating.

( Scott and Jeff ) My cousin Scott came down from Boise.

  So fun to see him! 

~ And the drink Jeff has is not any form of Alcohol.
 It's a Swedish beverage.

  Promise. :)

Aunt Diane and Uncle Mike. 

More family....

 

Cousins

Shauna, me, Scott and Megan

My Aunt Diane and Uncle Mike and I.
 

 They leave next month to serve a mission in Berlin Germany!!

Our family is so happy and excited for them.  We all hope to travel to Germany soon.

The youth and people of Germany don't know how lucky they are! 

 Some of the nicest and sweetest people ever!   Aunt Diane always greets everyone with a smile and a hug.  We will sure miss them for 18 months!

My Aunt Tina, and her niece Emma and Sister Anita. 

They were all lovely hosts.. and Emma and Anita came all of the way from Sweden to spend Christmas with Tina in Utah.  So kind!!

The Swedish drink we were all drinking that looked like Beer.  -- But it wasn't.

It had a taste -- like nothing I can describe.. but it was good! 

 

 I liked it a lot!

 

( Cutest Mom and Baby Lia in the back )

Tina showed me this darling little book she had.. and it had the sweetest story, and most beautiful illustrations.  There is an English version of it.. and I would like to get it.

 

 

 

Before we left.. Richard and Tina gifted each of us with our own Advent Candle holder.

 

I look forward to using it next year.

 

What a fun party with fabulous family and food!

 

Makes me excited to take a trip to Denmark, Norway and Sweden!

 

All places I have roots from.

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

My heritage. 

 So many wonderful ancestors from such wonderful countries.

I look forward to learning more about all of the places I am connected to.

 

Chad's parents.. for babysitting.. and making a fun night for our children.

 

Trying new food and experiencing new things

 

Traditions

 

Feeling my Grandpa Tenney with us during the party.

I will never forget it.