With Christmas just a week away, excitement crackled in the air. The entire city of Skellefteå buzzed with preparations. We'd noticed in our initial weeks here that Swedes take lighting seriously, and this was especially evident during the Christmas season. The twinkling lights seemed to defy the ever-shortening days, casting a beautiful glow over the city. 

With snow blanketing the ground and the lights piercing the darkness, Skellefteå transformed into a winter wonderland.

Having seen videos of Christmas celebrations across Europe before moving to Sweden, I yearned to experience one first-hand, so I was happy when I learned about the Christmas market in Skellefteå. 

A friend joined us as we ventured to the Christmas market at Nordanå. Despite the snow and cold, families thronged the venue, creating the lively atmosphere we'd been yearning for. From a distance, the entire Nordanå appeared bathed in a warm glow. Stalls overflowed with delicious food, handcrafted items, and local specialities. 

With so many stalls to explore, I felt like a kid in a candy store.

The central area held a magnificent Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights. Some youngsters were taking full advantage of the snow, sliding and playing with infectious abandon. 

Watching their carefree merriment, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing to join them. The entire market pulsed with life – songs filled the air, people chatted excitedly, and the general sense of merriment made this Christmas truly unforgettable.

The quiet days leading up to Christmas and New Year were in stark contrast to the market's vibrancy. It being the holiday season, many shops closed, and the once bustling centre became eerily quiet. The festivities happening behind other families' closed doors served as a reminder of our families back home. 

Determined to make the most of our first New Year away, we celebrated with friends. My husband's friend's family joined us for lunch, and I started forging new friendships. We explored the Escape Room in the center, a fun and engaging experience. 

We also ventured to Bowlingkompaniet for a night of cosmic bowling, the music and lights creating an entertaining atmosphere. While we'd made some friends and explored the city with them, the desire to connect with a Swedish family remained. I yearned to understand their customs of socializing, their hospitality, and the nuances of their culture.

With a whirlwind of festivities, new friends, and exciting activities, time seemed to fly by. As 2024 dawned, we felt a sense of optimism, believing the worst of winter was behind us. 

However, the weather had other plans. 

The temperature plummeted to a staggering -38°C, a level we could never have imagined. 

Even the buses succumbed to the extreme weather, leading to reduced services and often leaving my husband stranded at the bus stop. Essential shopping trips turned into chilling ordeals. We learned that this was an extreme winter, the first in 25 years to reach such low temperatures. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, just as we were starting to adjust to our new life. 

With two more months of winter ahead, I couldn't help but wonder if even harsher conditions awaited us.

Don't miss Sushma's next column in two weeks' time.