Happy Winter Solstice!
More like happy belated winter solstice as yesterday was actually winter solstice:) I never really paid any attention to winter solstice, or really cared about it, before I moved to Iceland. Now it is basically a holiday in my mind marking the end of the long winter days and the sign that longer days are in our near future.
This year’s winter solstice was a beautiful calm winter day here in Reykjavik, and even though the sun barely made an appearance my afternoon stroll downtown was brighten up by all the Christmas decorations and colorful houses. Isn’t this pink house with Christmas tress just adorable?!
Longer days and the midnight sun on its way, that to me is reason enough to celebrate. And celebrate I will this entire week with the Christmas holiday finally here!
Before I can go in total holiday mode though there are all those last minute items I need to cross off my to-do list. These last few days before Christmas are always crazy busy aren’t they? It doesn’t seem to matter how prepared I think I am there is always so many last minute things to fit in that the time just flies by. Christmas time slow down!
Even though I have been rushing around like mad trying to finish things up I must say I am feeling very much in the Christmas spirit this year. I think the Viking and I’s 24 Days of Togetherness is to thank!
This past month H and I have really enjoyed bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to each day with 24 Days of Togetherness. It got us out of the house on cold winter days and we did way more Christmastime activities than I think I ever have before.
24 Days of Togetherness is the perfect holiday activity to do with your loved one, family or even friends. In case you are interested in joining in on the holiday fun next year here is a recap of the activities we did for 24 Days of Togetherness.
December 7th: Build a mini snowman
Thanks to all the beautiful snow we got at the beginning of December our little snowman came to life in no time. I must say he was incredibly cute as well.
December 8th: Share three things you are looking forward to in the coming months
With a trip to Slovenia for me, Scotland for the Viking’s birthday and the Icelandic soccer team playing in the European Championship (H’s answer) we have a fun few months coming up with lots to look forward to.
December 9th: Make Pomander balls
Okay I had no idea the oranges with clove decorations were called pomander balls until just now, I just called them orange clove decorations, learn something new everyday. Anyways, H loves anything crafty so I knew he would have a craft or two in the box. Thankfully this is a super simple one that even I could manage.
December 10th: Go for a walk to look at Christmas lights
I just love Christmas lights! And I am so happy there are so many beautiful ones to look at in our neighborhood, we need them to brighten up these dark days.
December 11th: Light a bunch of candles, curl up with a hot drink and plan out the rest of our shopping list
The Viking clearly had me in mind when he wrote this down. I refuse to go shopping without a plan, it just takes so much more time wandering around not sure what you are looking for and I have no interest in doing that in the crowded stores. This year we had a plan for all the gifts we were buying and it made shopping so much easier and stress free. Good choice by my Viking.
December 12th: Go to a cafe for some warm drinks and treats
There are so many nice cafes here in downtown Reykjavik yet the Viking and I hardly ever go to them so when this was pulled of the box I was really looking forward to our cafe date. This was a nice treat on a chilly Saturday, and now I want to spend every Saturday morning hanging out at a cozy cafe.
December 13th: Make date and olive pesto
Over the summer H and I went to a graduation party where they had the most delicious pesto dip. The Viking and I seriously could not get enough of it, we didn’t leave the party until we tracked down the Grandma who made it and got the recipe. This was the first time we made the recipe and it was as delicious as we remembered. Our pesto made the perfect addition to a Sunday happy hour at home.
December 14th: Pick two Christmas movies that we have to watch over Christmas holiday
Like I could chose just two! I have been watching Christmas movies all month long. Somehow though we have yet to watch Elf, this needs to change asap!
December 15th: Find a dish to make for Christmas breakfast
I love Christmas breakfast and since I won’t be home this year to enjoy my families amazing Christmas breakfast finding a delicious recipe to make was important! We are now debating between a french toast casserole or Belgium waffles. Which one would you chose?
December 16th: Share 5 things you love/admire about the other person
Who doesn’t love a little flattery?! Give the one you love a compliment, we all need to hear nice things more often:)
The snow just keeps coming and Reykjavik keeps getting more gorgeous! Hello winter wonderland ❄️☃🎄 #justagirlandherviking
December 17th: Decide on a Christmas tradition
The success of 24 Days of Togetherness made this an easy one to decide on!
December 18th: Frozen yogurt and a Christmas movie
For our first Christmas movie night we went with The Santa Clause. Christmas movies and frozen yogurt, that is my kind of date night!
December 19th: Go to happy hour
After a long day of tackling our shopping list the Viking and I were worn out so we opted for a happy hour at home. Drinking wine in my pjs on my couch, a perfect happy hour.
December 20th: Share two of your favorite Christmas memories
It is always fun looking back on your childhood Christmases. H’s answers included some game him and his brother got that they stayed up all night playing, and for me, of course Azora had to be one of my answers :)
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These last couple of days have been really busy for both of us at work so we have some activities to catch up on. The last four dates are:
December 21st: Pick out a Christmas ornament
December 22nd: Take a family Christmas picture
December 23rd: Buy each other a surprise gift for less than 5 dollars
December 24th: Go to the Christmas market downtown for a mulled wine
I am so glad my Viking went along with my idea for 24 Days of Togetherness. It really can be hard to find time in the weeks leading up to the holidays, but with each day bringing a different activity it really helped remind us to slow down and enjoy each other in the midst of the craziness.
The Christmas fun is just getting started here in Iceland! Tonight we have the “downtown walk” tomorrow is the main day of celebration and the 25th is all about celebrating my American traditions.
Oh I just love Christmas time!
Question of the Day?
What is your favorite Christmas time activity to do? Do you open gifts on the 24th or 25th?
