A Traditional Scandinavian Christmas

Here at Pippins we have always had an interest in how other countries celebrate a traditional Christmas and could not think of a better place to start than Scandinavia.

    

Scandinavia is a region of northern Europe that geographically consists of Norway and Sweden (two countries that form the Scandinavian Peninsula) and the country of Denmark.

In modern times, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands (Faeroe) are also considered a part of this geographical area, especially in terms of cultural and historic relationships.

Christmas in Sweden

In Sweden Christmas begins with the Saint Lucia Day. The Saint Lucia ceremony takes place on December 13. Did you know that Swedish Christmas home decorations include red tulips? Christmas Eve is known as Julafton in Swedish. After the festive Christmas Eve dinner, someone dresses up as Tomte (Christmas gnome) who is believed to live under floorboards.

Christmas in Denmark

Be careful! In Denmark, the mischievous Danish elf Nisse plays pranks on people during Christmastime. On Christmas Eve, many Danish families leave some rice pudding or porridge for him so that he is nice to them. Children are not allowed to see the Christmas tree until dinner time on Christmas Eve (known asJuleaften) and parents decorate it secretly with home-made baubles.

Christmas in Norway

Norway also has an elf called Nisse, but with the features of a goat (Julebukk in Norwegian.) The idea of Julebukk is a very old one and was probably known by the Vikings. There is a special Norwegian holiday cookie called Sand Kager. In the afternoons, children go from door to door to ask for treats and goodies.

Christmas in Finland

When you spend Christmas in Finland, you will see that Finland shares some of its Scandinavian Christmas traditions with its neighbour Sweden - but then there are Christmas traditions in Finland that you'd never guess! A tip: Finnish sauna, anyone?

Christmas in Iceland

Iceland has many old traditions during Christmastime. Expect no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses! The origin of these "Santas" is centuries old, and each has its own name, character and role. A special custom for Icelandic children is to put a shoe in the window from December 12 until Christmas Eve. If they have been good, one of Icelands's "Santas" leaves a gift - bad children receive a potato!

Christmas in Greenland

While geographically not a part of Scandinavia, Greenland is a Danish territory and shares many Christmas traditions with the other Scandinavian countries. Did you know that Greenland has to import all Christmas trees, and includes whale skin in the traditional Christmas celebrations?

Month of December

December is a great month for a winter break in one of the Scandinavian countries. With winter activities in full swing, this month you will also experience many seasonal celebrations and Christmas Scandinavian-style. Cozy evenings in a festive mood certainly make up for fewer hours of daylight. Whereas the southern part gets 6-7 hours, it may be only 2-4 hours in the far north of Scandinavia. In certain areas of the Arctic Circle, there is no sun at all for a period of time (you will be amazed to see how well the locals have adapted to this.) In December, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy a typical celebration of Christmas in Scandinavia and to observe the mysterious Northern Lights.

Gisela Graham Gift Company

Since 2004 we have been a stockists of shabby chic/vintage style gifts and interior accessories. One of our favourite suppliers is German designer Gisela Graham and we are pleased to be an approved stockist.

Gisela Graham Limited is one of Europe’s leading giftware design companies. Having made her name crafting beautiful Christmas and Easter decorations, Gisela Graham has more recently turned her design flair to home interior gifts, with increasing success. With over 40 ranges of seasonal and non-seasonal collections, Gisela Graham provides originality and charm to some of Europe’s finest shops.

Her ranges cover a broad spectrum of styles and genres – country, quirky, classic, sweet, retro, nostalgic – but all share a characteristic charm, tastefulness and originality. She presides over her London-based team of talented in-house designers and is involved in the design and selection of every one of her products. 

Our range of gifts from Gisela Graham is forever growing if you can't find what you are looking for please ask. 

Below is a sneaky peek of some of our Gisela Graham Christmas decorations and accessories already in stock and available to order online now, supplies are limited.

Visit www.pippins.co.uk.

Only 75 days until Christmas!

Feel proud to buy British!

Here at Pippins we are wanting to support British-made brands and UK manufacturing. We are passionate about British craftsmanship and My English Summer are a perfect example! 

Mother of four Caroline Leathwood began creating soaps, bath bombs and candles in her own kitchen in the evening. She has now turned her hobby into a growing business. Her company My English Summer now distribute to over 200 stockist throughout the UK and others in Eire, France, Spain and Portugal.

Their fragranced cupcakes bath bombs, soaps and other goodies are all hand crafted in the beautiful Pennine hills in Northern England. They believe that bath and body products should be as beautiful to look at as they are to use, and they take great pride in their finished, beautifully presented products. 

Above are 2 members of staff at work in the My English Summer unit. All of their products are mixed, moulded, wrapped and packaged by hand in West Yorkshire. 

PACKAGING

Many toiletries are machine filled and plastic wrapped without being touched by hand. While shrink wrap, polystyrene and plastic provide effective packaging, we believe that the way in which a product is packaged add to the enjoyment and experience of the product. Pretty or unusual packaging makes people want to pick pick products up, to touch, sniff and feel! My English Summer use organza, brown paper, ribbon and string, all with a vintage look we have all grown to love.

  

 

The little transparent soaps are wrapped in aged sheet music and tied with brown string, before being topped with a signature rose. Bath bombs, soap fancies, lip balms and eye gels are all presented in sweet little organza ribbon drawn bags. Bath milk powder is packed into little brown envelopes and body polish and cleansing butter jars are finished off with a tied ribbon and rose.

Wedding Anniversaries

Why not give a traditional wedding anniversary gift this year?

The tradition of giving a specific gift on a specific anniversary dates back to the Middle Ages. 

Show how much you care with some beautifully wedding anniversary flowers, which flower are you celebrating?

Here are some ideas to help you celebrate your wedding anniversary  Both the traditional and flower gift suggestions, many ideas available on our website www.pippins.co.uk

One of our Best Sellers is our gorgeous tin heart for a 10th wedding anniversary.

What not send a chic silk purse for a 4th or 12th wedding anniversary? These are Fair Trade and available in many colour, so beautifully made in Vietnam.

Put a little thought into what gift you give this wedding anniversary.

Wedding Day Ideas

Perfect Wedding Table Decorations

Why note become a little creative ready for your wedding day?

It's easier than you think!

Decorate milk bottles with hessian, ribbons and string to create a unique table decoration, why not add flowers and use as favours? A lovely gift for your guest to take away and remember your wonderful wedding day.

These can be decorated well in advance and compliment your wedding colours. 

Another item ticked off your ' to do list! '

Visit our website at www.pippins.co.uk to purchase yours today!