The dilemma of Christmas decorations: how much is too much and, more importantly, when is the right time to unveil the festive paraphernalia? For the author, the answer to the timing question is a resounding ”not too early!” Premature decorating risks festive fatigue setting in even before Christmas Day arrives. While some friends embrace full-blown Christmas décor as early as the first Sunday of Advent, the author finds this excessive, preferring a later unveiling around December 21st or 22nd. However, a long-standing tradition of a pre-Christmas party with former colleagues necessitates an earlier foray into the world of tinsel and twinkling lights.
This annual gathering, a cherished tradition despite regular lunches and other meetups throughout the year, typically takes place sometime between the Nobel Prize ceremony and December 15th. The date is usually set around Walpurgis Night, the last day of April, ensuring ample anticipation for the festive reunion. The party necessitates a temporary transformation of the house into a Christmas wonderland, complete with festive curtains and an army of Santa figurines strategically positioned throughout the house – from the hallway and kitchen to the bathroom, living room, and even the library. This elaborate display, however, is typically short-lived, erected the day before the party and dismantled the next day to preserve the Christmas spirit for the main event.
A contrasting viewpoint comes from the author’s partner, affectionately nicknamed ”Blixten,” who shares a deep appreciation for the Santa collection and harbors no objection to their extended presence. This difference in preference leads to a compromise, prioritizing domestic harmony over a minimalist approach to Christmas décor. Among the numerous Santas, a particular favorite stands out: Totte, a half-meter tall, slightly dilapidated Santa Claus with grey flannel trousers, a red jacket and matching hood, and yellow shoes. Despite showing signs of wear and tear, Totte holds a special place in the author’s heart and a permanent spot in the hallway, immune to any future decluttering efforts.
The author’s fondness for Santa Claus figurines is a long-standing affair, nearly lifelong, leading to an ever-expanding collection. A few years ago, an encounter with a seasoned Santa vendor at the Stortorget Christmas market in Stockholm’s Old Town resulted in the acquisition of two irresistibly charming sitting Santas, despite an already substantial collection. This pattern of acquiring one or two new Santas annually continued, accompanied by an annual resolution to refrain from further additions, a resolution consistently broken until this year. This year, a triumph of willpower prevailed, with no new Santas joining the ranks, a decision made easier by the already impressive number retrieved from storage.
This self-imposed restraint, however, doesn’t account for the potential reserves still residing in the attic, leaving a lingering possibility of future additions to the Santa Claus family. The author’s fascination with all things Christmas extends beyond the home, as evidenced by a quirky travel habit: visiting at least one cemetery in every country visited. This unconventional practice reveals a unique perspective, perhaps hinting at an underlying appreciation for the stories and history embedded in these often-overlooked locations. The juxtaposition of the festive Christmas spirit and the contemplative atmosphere of cemeteries suggests a nuanced approach to life’s experiences, finding interest and meaning in both the celebratory and the solemn.
The author’s Christmas traditions, from the annual party and the careful placement of Santa figurines to the self-imposed (and sometimes broken) limits on new acquisitions, paint a picture of a person who cherishes the festive season. The interplay between personal preferences and the desire for domestic harmony, the sentimental attachment to specific decorations, and the quirky travel habit all contribute to a rich and layered portrait of an individual navigating the joys and dilemmas of the Christmas season. The unresolved question of the attic’s potential contribution to the Santa Claus population leaves a tantalizing hint of the Christmas story yet to unfold.
