December 7 - Snow or Water

Our weather doesn't seem to know whether this should be Winter or Autumn. Rain and snow alternate, and the lakes and ponds freeze over and the next day they are open again.

December 6 - Independence Day

Today is the 100th Anniversary of Finland's independence.

December 5 - Rowan, lime and birch

The rowan berries are waiting for birds to come and eat. Waxwings may come in big flocks.

Lime trees sometimes keep their seed long into the winter.

Birch bath brooms at the Christmas market. Made after Midsummer, they have been put to dry in a dark place and will feel soft and fresh after a soak in hot water. A special treat for the Christmas sauna bath!

December 4 - Christmas Market

Today we are still at the Christmas Market in Järvenpää. There was a carousel!

And a big Christmas tree. It was almost sunny and the event was at noon, so the lights were not on yet.

Have you seen my daugher Kaija's amazing matchbox art non-christmassy advent calendar yet? She is posting a new piece of art every day until Christmas Eve. Here is where you get started: Paperiaarre .

December 3 - Santa came to town

Yesterday was the opening of the Christmas market in Järvenpää. As usual, Santa himself came too, in his old sleigh. The weather conditions being what they are, an amphibian model has been developed:

Sand or snow, Santa will get there! Mrs. Santa stayed in the sleigh while her husband was greeting the children. In front of the sleigh was their faithful Finnhorse Uuras. In the link you can also read about the important role of these horses during the WW II

Children could fondle him and he looked like he was smiling!

Santa greeted everyone, and maybe he received some hand delivered letters with gift wishes here too. In Helsinki a few days ago during his visit Britain's Prince William brought Santa a letter from his four-year old son George!

December 2 - Rainy days

This Autumn has been exceptionally wet, with rain and wet snow and more rain so the soil can hardly take it any longer.

Trying to see the beauty in this dark wetness I happened to look at the biggest puddle in our yard, and I saw the refection of trees in the clear water at a moment when it didn't rain.

December 1 - Socks On Line

It is this time of the year again. Some people are waiting for the holiday season with excitement and joy, some are stressed and some just couldn't care less. Five times I have made my own advent calendar on this blog, with a photo posting and a few words every day until December 24th, and I thought it would be nice to do it again. Today I have socks hanging on the wash line, just for the photo shoot. Up here in Finland where Santa lives, we don't hand them on the mantelpiece for Christmas.

Santa comes to the door and meets the family by the tree, or if he is busy he just leaves the gifts behind the door. No way could he come through the chimney, because when there is no fire burning, the chimney is closed by shutters to avoid the warmth from escaping.

If you are interested in a really lovely, non-christmassy advent calendar, you should visit my talented artist daughter's blog and/or instagram. She will post her matchbox art every day until Christmas, and her Etsy shop Paperiaarre is filled with beautiful things. You just might find the perfect gift for a friend there.

I hope to see you again tomorrow!