The quest for a mysig December
Winter is here!
Snow, cold, traffic problems. Already feels like Christmas! So how about a couple of tips and tricks about winter shopping, winter layering and the Swedish concept of mysig?
My nation is my nest, to be honest. It is the place where I go for fika, to chat with friends, to hang out or just to study. My schedule has been quite a mess lately; however, I do make time for the important things: my quest for a perfectly mysig December.
December has thrust upon us not only its darkness and cold, but also new restrictions and recommendations about the ongoing pandemic. Make sure to always check the official channels and, if you have any symptoms, please stay at home until you feel better!
That being said, how about we dive into my x-mas to-do list?
Christmas markets
You see them everywhere, in malls or on the streets of Uppsala. My recommendations:
-Sigtuna Julmarknad, December 5th, trip organized by the IK;
-Historisk Julmarknad i Gamla Uppsala, December 5th.
Don’t forget to enjoy a small glass of glögg together with your buddies and make good use of the Winter Wonderland setting for your pictures!
Sankta Lucia
An important part of the Swedish winter traditions is Sankta Lucia. The town is filled with people of all ages singing and spreading the light (“lucia” in Latin, see what I did there?). There is an amazing procession happening at Carolina Rediviva in the morning and you can also watch a procession from a different part of the country at home, on TV or SVT Play. This year, the Luciamorgon will be streamed from Tällberg, in Dalarna.
The nations organize annually a Luciagasque, that is a winter ball in celebration of Sankta Lucia and a great occasion to have dinner with friends, dress up and partake in this glorious Swedish tradition. I have already booked a ticket for the Lucia Ball at my nation and I am looking forward to spending an evening full of light and warmth with the people I call family in Uppsala!
Winter clothes and layering
Apropos warmth, my go-to store for comfortable winter clothes and equipment is Alewalds Outlet. They have quality pieces of clothing on discount, not to mention backpacks and winter boots. As students, we can all agree that discounts and sales are the best possible thing, especially when you need an extra layer during the Swedish winter!
Julkalender and mys
Last, but not least, I try to transform each Sunday afternoon into movie time. Cup(s) of tea, lights from IKEA, candles with ginger scent and Julkalender on SVT Play, which this year is called “En hederlig jul med Knyckertz” (“A fair Christmas with the Knyckertz”). It is a cool opportunity to practice Swedish and enjoy a children’s tale during this fairyland weather.
I hope my recommendations to make your December better have helped! Make sure to find your own healthy routines during the darkness and to always look for new ways to make your life more mysig!
Carmen Lungu, international secretary at Smålands nation