Mysigt

After last week`s phrase I want to introduce you to a new Swedish word today. “Mysigt” means cozy and describes this time of the year quiet perfectly. Now the Christmas season officially started although I have been in in the mood for the Holidays for quiet a while now. I`m such a Christmas person and really love this time of the year – especially this happy, peaceful, and warm feeling that comes with it. Here in Sweden, I feel that more than ever. Even though so much is going on at work and in my free time I don`t feel stressed but instead I am full of energy and excitement for everything I am doing every single day. And that is probably because I am surrounded by so much "mysighet" (coziness).

I am so thankful to be able to experience this season here in Sweden this year. But before giving you all an update about my last weeks I want to let you know that I am well aware of what is going on in other countries right now. I want to use my reports to talk about all my experiences here in Sweden and spread some positive energy but of course even I get frustrated and sad when I follow the news about what is going on in other places right now. I hope you all are safe and trying to make the best out of these challenging times. I will still focus on sharing my experiences here and spreading some happiness in a world, that already needs to deal with so many shocking and negative news all the time!

So, like I said, Christmas season for me is one of the most magical times of the year. I just love the vibe and the overall feeling and enjoy everything that comes with it, wether it is going to Christmas markets or other events, or having a good time at home with decorating, baking and cheerful music. All that I already got to experience in the last weeks and I`m happy to continue with it during December as well. As I mentioned in my post about light, the Swedish people light up their houses and streets in such a cozy way, that it looks like Christmas everywhere. Together with the little Christmas markets and the snow it feels like you are walking straight through a Christmas movie! Everywhere we go they offer Pepperkaka (Gingerbread cookies) and Glöck (mulled wine). And since the Swedes love their Fika, they just turn it into an even more cozy Christmas Fika what really is the best!

Living in a household of four different ways of celebrating the holidays it is so much fun to share all those traditions with each other and combine it all to one big celebration. We all are adventurous when it comes to trying out as much as we can. Because of that in the last weeks we went ice skating, to a dance competition, an ice hockey game, different Christmas markets, and so much more. One highlight was definitely the opening of the Gävle Goat. It is a famous tradition in Gävle to have a huge goat made out of straw whose opening on the first advent is celebrated with a concert. No one knows what artists get to perform but this year we got to see two Swedish singers that both performed at the ESC: Tusse and Loreen! It was such a unique event and a great way to start into the advent time!

Overall there are so many things to do here and we are trying out as much as possible but still make sure to have enough cozy resting time at home with music, movies and a lot of good food. At work it is almost the same. Since Christmas is almost here and the year is over soon as well, we have so many amazing things to do, plan and looking forward to. Every day we have to face new challenges and no day is like the other what makes it all even more exciting and special. With our amazing team we get to accomplish so many great things by working together and pushing each other. I feel so comfortable and like at home there as well. That is why after every exciting weekend full of new experiences I`m always looking forward to be back at work again. And having this balance really makes my time here so wonderful!

So, I think this was quiet an update with a lot of coziness in it. :) I hope all of you have a great Christmas season as well. Although those are quite challenging times right now, we all can use it to grow and there is always a way to make the best out of it. Have an amazing day and I will talk to you soon!