It’s official, we are all on the countdown to Christmas! I know, it’s getting earlier each year but who cares, we’ve had to endure Covid and now we have inflation and rising interest rates so what if we have started counting down to Christmas already.
At Valley Living we’ve always been inspired by Hygge – a name without a direct English translation but one that conjures up happy, cosy feelings, and let’s face it we are all in need of a bit of that this year.
So as the nights continue to draw in as we approach Christmas, let’s look at how we can all embrace a bit of Hygge!
Hygge your home
Candles are a favourite among the Danes in fact according to the European Candle Association Denmark burns more candles per head than anywhere else in Europe with 28% lighting a candle every day! The flickering glow of a candle mimics firelight creating emotional happiness as well as cost effective lighting.
Blankets, throws and cushions are a must for Hygge living so add some throws and cushions throughout your home – they will look cosy, and they are a great way to warm you up when the heating is still turned down!
From his book ‘The Little Book of Hygge’ Meik Wiking lists his top 10 essentials for hygge living:
- Atmosphere – turn down the lights
- Presence – turn off your phone
- Pleasure – drink coffee, eat chocolate!
- Equality – share the tasks
- Gratitude – This might be as good as it gets
- Harmony – There’s no need to brag about your achievements
- Comfort – get comfy and take a break
- Truce – No drama!
- Togetherness – Build relationships
- Shelter – Your place of peace and security
Check out our Scandi theme for more ideas.
Festive decorations including Gonks remind us of Christmas pasts, looking at them reminds us that Christmas is coming, a time when we all think of family gatherings and happy celebrations.
Be evergreen
Bringing evergreens into the home is a custom that began in 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans.
Back in the day, nothing was thrown away so when Christmas trees were pruned and shaped, the excess branches were used to create a Christmas wreath.
The circular shape of the wreath represents eternal life and the addition of placing a candle on the wreath during Advent was to symbolise the light that Jesus brought into the world.
Garlands are a lovely way to decorate your home, take a look at some of these ideas for inspiration Hot Christmas Design Theme or 21 Christmas trends for 2022 you won’t want to miss
Gift it!
Exchanging presents has been a highlight of the festive season for thousands of years.
For Christians it symbolises the tributes made to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men after his birth in the story of the Nativity.
Other religions exchange gifts during key celebrations – for the Jewish, the festival of lights Hanukkah and Hindu’s celebrate of Pancha Ganapati in honour of Lord Ganesha.
I spend a great deal of time during the year hunting for unusual and thoughtful items for Valley Living to make sure we have a good stock and Christmas is no exception! Visit us at Valley Living for some truly unique gifts you won’t find on the high street!
Aud’s tip – when choosing gifts for your special someone’s, remember it’s the thought that counts and not the price, so put a little extra thought into your gifts, and you won’t fail to please!
If you want to know more about old Christmas traditions and how Christmas is celebrated in lots of different countries and cultures around the world take a look at this informative website Why Christmas
Favourite Christmas fodder
How we celebrate Christmas around the world can vary from country to country, particularly the food we eat and when we serve it.
In the article 21 Christmas food traditions from around the world the author discovers some delicious Christmas foods from around the world including German Stollen, Italian Panettone, and Greek baklava.
For those of you that don’t know me very well you may be surprised to know that I am a qualified chef and was a hospitality lecturer for many years too, so if you prefer to stick to British food traditions, I thought I would share a couple of my favourites. Hopefully a good way to finish my Christmas blog.
Aud’s favourite Christmas recipes
Spicy and super juicy Turkey
Top of my list is to follow Nigella’s turkey soaking recipe, I do this every year without fail. It has revolutionised my Christmas Day, it dramatically reduces the cooking time, and your turkey is never dry!
Jewelled Christmas stuffing
Another of my favourites, this recipe is easy, the only tricky part is rolling it up but if you follow the instructions on my recipe sheet it will work out a treat!
Christmas opening times
We look forward to welcoming you to Valley Living between now and Christmas and if you are struggling to fit everything in you will be pleased to know that we will be open every Sunday in December.
