Susanne Gloria Bartholomeusz, 34, works in logistics at Northvolt; Brenvon Ronald Herft, 38, is a student; and their son Dave Emmanuel Herft, 6. They live in Skellefteå and are originally from Sri Lanka, though they have spent most of their lives in Dubai.
Window No.13: "The turkey may have been a bit dry, but it didn't matter"
– Christmas is the big holiday I’ve always been passionate about. For me, it’s all about family. I come from a very small family, and while we spent a lot of time together throughout the year, Christmas always felt special.
I’ve always loved food—it’s become an even bigger part of my life as I’ve grown older—but as a child, the real joy was the anticipation. Sitting at the dining table, which we only used for special occasions, with my parents, grandparents, and sister, was magical.
Looking back, the turkey was probably a bit dry, and the vegetables overcooked, but that never mattered. What I loved was the feeling of sharing food, drinks, and laughter around the table with the people I cared about most.
After leaving England in my early 20s to travel and work abroad, I’ve rarely returned to Hull for Christmas, especially since it’s such a busy time for the restaurant industry.
Now, I have my own little family here in Skellefteå, and it’s fun to recreate some of our old traditions with my two boys. They love making Christmas wreaths just as I did as a child. We dress up in our best clothes for dinner, and afterward, we collapse on the sofa with sweets and watch an old Christmas movie, says Rob.
Rob Hunt, 39, is a co-owner of Kork Vinbar.
Window No.12: "There are so many things about Swedish Christmas have surprised us"
– In Sri Lanka, Christmas is all about sharing joy with family and friends. We visit each other’s homes and treasure every moment filled with laughter, love, and the true spirit of the season. As Catholics, we deeply value the tradition of attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Dressed in our most glamorous and elegant outfits, we go to church at midnight to sing carols and celebrate together. Children get the special chance to hang decorations on the giant Christmas tree in the church. At midnight, the church bells ring out loudly, announcing the birth of baby Jesus to all. This year, we hope to recreate these traditions here in Sweden to keep our connection to our homeland alive.
We also want to introduce the tradition of baking Sri Lanka’s iconic Christmas cake to people in Sweden. This cake is rich, flavourful, and made with a unique blend of fruits, spices such as cinnamon, and various nuts. The process of making it is almost as special as the cake itself. It involves candied fruit and brandy or rum, which help the cake last for over a year.
Typically, the cake is baked two months before Christmas to allow the flavours to mature. The entire family usually gets involved—chopping nuts, raisins, fruits, and cashews while preparing the ingredients—because we make large quantities to share with family and friends.
The house is filled with the festive aroma of Christmas cake for months. Sharing a slice of this cake is like sharing a piece of our culture and love. It would be a wonderful addition to Swedish Christmas traditions.
There are so many things about Swedish Christmas that have surprised us. We had never seen real reindeer before—only in Christmas movies! In Sri Lanka, we have plastic or artificial Christmas trees, and snow is something we’ve only ever seen on TV. Sweden is such a beautiful country with its unique Christmas traditions.
The lights, music, and peaceful atmosphere are truly magical. We’ve also come to love glögg and gingerbread cookies. These traditions were new to us, but they remind us in some ways of the coconut wine and Christmas cake we enjoy during the holiday season in Sri Lanka.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas 2024!
Susanne Gloria Bartholomeusz, 34, works in logistics at Northvolt; Brenvon Ronald Herft, 38, is a student; and their son Dave Emmanuel Herft, 6. They live in Skellefteå and are originally from Sri Lanka, though they have spent most of their lives in Dubai.
Window No.11: "This Christmas I want the whole family to come home."
Kicki Gavriel, 68, lives in Skellefteå with her husband Panagiotis, 74. They've worked at Torggrillen for 41 years. The couple have two children and seven grandchildren.
– I remember when I was 14 years old, and my dad had hired a Santa. He didn’t knock on the door but came to the back window, knocked there, and suddenly appeared. My brother and I were completely stunned! That memory has really stuck with me, and even my dad later said he would never do something like that to his kids.
Santa only walked a few meters—from the window to the door. He knocked on the window, then went back and came in through the door with a sack. It was very dramatic. My little brother kept saying, 'Santa’s here! Santa’s here!' Then he wondered, 'But why the window?'
What I wish for this Christmas is for the whole family to come home. I’m usually the one playing Santa now. Seeing it all through the eyes of the little ones is so much fun. I’m a little elf, says Kicki.
Kicki Gavriel, 68, lives in Skellefteå with her husband Panagiotis, 74. They worked at Torggrillen for 41 years. The couple has two children and seven grandchildren.
Window No.10: "Nobody knew who it was: we thought Santa had gone to the wrong house"
Josefin Öqvist, 22, works as a nurse. Her mother, Linn Bjärnered, 45, is also a nurse. Josefin’s partner, David Jansson, 22, works as a personal service technician. Their dog, Kira, is 8 months old.
– For us, the best thing about Christmas is the sense of togetherness – spending time with the people we care about. And, of course, the Christmas food! When we were kids, it was all about the presents, but now it’s the food and all the treats we look forward to. In our family, we’ve almost stopped giving Christmas presents entirely. The kids are the only ones who get gifts! It’s less stressful this way because finding something for everyone can feel overwhelming, especially since we adults already have most of what we need.
Both my partner, David, and I (Josefin) have divorced parents, which makes planning Christmas a bit of a puzzle. You want to spend time with everyone, but it’s hard to manage. David’s family also lives 100 miles away, and this year we’ll be celebrating with them. It feels stressful and a little sad not being able to see everyone.
My mom, Linn, thinks Christmas comes with a lot of expectations and pressure to create the perfect festive atmosphere for the family.
When we were kids, we were used to Santa always showing up on Christmas Eve. As we got older, Santa stopped making an appearance. But last year, there was a sudden knock on the door, and to our surprise, Santa was back! No one knew who it was at first, and we thought Santa had gone to the wrong house. After Santa left, we found out it was my mom who had arranged it. It turned into a fun and fascinating moment that we all enjoyed!
Every Christmas holiday, we also work on a new 1,000-piece puzzle. It’s a great way to spend time together, and everyone, no matter their age, can join in. On Boxing Day, we have a tradition of ordering pizza because by then, we’re all bored of Christmas food.
– Josefin Öqvist, 22, works as a nurse. Her mother, Linn Bjärnered, 45, is also a nurse. Josefin’s partner, David Jansson, 22, works as a personal service technician. Their dog, Kira, is 8 months old. The family lives in Piteå.
Window No.9: "Perfect Christmas at the family cabin in Storkågeträsk."
Lisa Nilsson (left), 31, works at Ica Kåge and runs the farm shop Silkochflora in Kåge. (Partner Robert was parking the car when the photo was taken). Their two children are Mira and Svala, and the boy in the photo is their cousin, John. Mother Kamilla (right), 53, works at Nöjesfabriken. Father Stefan, 59, works at Rönnskär.
– I would say one tip is to decorate according to the season and incorporate what nature has to offer at the moment. This way, you can easily vary your home decor throughout the year.
Perhaps fill an urn or large vase with pine or fir branches, or bring out a set of small vases to fill with various winter greenery. Grouping lanterns, old and new, looks beautiful this time of year and adds a wonderfully atmospheric glow to the evenings.
If I could choose a place to celebrate Christmas anywhere in the world, it would definitely be at our log cabin with family in Storkågeträsk. It’s a place where I’ve spent all my summers and holds so many wonderful childhood memories. Here, we fish, ride snowmobiles, and grill spareribs for the Christmas table outdoors. The kids sled in the forest, and we simply get to relax and spend quality time together as a family, says Lisa.
Lisa Nilsson (left), 31, works at Ica Kåge and runs the farm shop Silkochflora in Kåge. (Partner Robert was parking the car when the photo was taken). Their two children are Mira and Svala, and the boy in the photo is their cousin, John. Mother Kamilla (right), 53, works at Nöjesfabriken. Father Stefan, 59, works at Rönnskär.
Window No.8: "The greatest Christmas present is the love we share."
Alexander Bladberg, 48 years old, works full-time in Skellefteå municipality as a residential supervisor and is studying his last semester as an electrical engineer, and wife Haifa Bladberg, 41 years old, works as a radiologist. They live in Anderstorp.
- I remember the best Christmas we ever had was at our cabin. We've decided to celebrate Christmas there again this year! Our cabin is in Tväråfors, about an hour's drive away. It's by the Åby River, a stunning spot surrounded by nature. We try to study there, but my wife often says it's impossible to focus in such a peaceful setting. While we're there, we often meet our wonderful neighbors, Ove and Eva, an older couple who are incredibly kind and fantastic company.
What makes Christmas special is the snow and the Christmas music, as we relax in the living room with a fire crackling in the fireplace. For Christmas, we usually prepare a traditional spread, including a roast turkey. However, this year, we've decided to keep it simple. Sometimes, we end up with too much food in the fridge and get a bit tired of all the traditional dishes. So, we're planning a smaller Christmas table this time. Of course, we'll still have essentials like Christmas ham, grilled salmon, meatballs, and boiled cow tongue — that's a must!
We usually exchange modest gifts, but we believe the greatest Christmas present is the love we share, says Alexander.
Alexander Bladberg, 48, works full-time as a residential supervisor for Skellefteå Municipality and is in his final semester of studying to become an electrical engineer. His wife, Haifa Bladberg, 41, works as a radiologist. They live in Anderstorp.
Window No.7: "My daughter's present from her stepbrother was a one-day-old Max burger."
Ida Broström, 53, lives in a house in Morön with her partner Jonas.
– I remember really wanting to believe in Santa when I was little, but I always felt there was too much resemblance to a family member when he came to hand out the presents. But it was exciting for many years until I got older.
– I like Christmas and traditions. The glögg during Kalle Anka och hans vänner at 3 p.m. is one such tradition for us, accompanied by saffron buns, toffee, and glögg. That’s when all the Christmas scents fill the house!
– My best decorating tip for Christmas is plenty of beautiful flowers and ceramics in a cosy mix with candles and lots of treats.
– The Christmas gift game is another lively tradition in our family. I remember one Christmas a few years ago when my daughter got a package containing a one-day-old Max burger from her stepbrother. It gave us all a good laugh!
– Now I’m a grandmother to the sweetest Ralf, who is 1.5 years old. Christmas is so much about the kids, and he brings us joy. Watching him experience Santa and our traditions is just wonderful, says Ida.
Ida Broström, 53, lives in a house in Morön with her partner Jonas. Her children have moved out. She runs Ida’s Ceramics and is currently studying to become a production potter at Formakademin in Lidköping, a two-year vocational program.
Window No.6: "It's my first Swedish Christmas, and it truly feels like a dream come true"
Maria Pricela Panugaling, 35, left, works as a teacher and moved to Finspång, near Norrköping, in June this year. She lives with her boyfriend, Mikael Karlsson. Maria was in Skellefteå to visit her sister, Maria Fe Lundberg, 41, works as a teacher. They are originally from the Philippines.
– I grew up in a tropical country with traditions quite different from those in Sweden, says Maria Pricela Panugaling.
– However, like here, we also decorate our homes with beautiful lights. In the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated both indoors and outdoors. A few days after Christmas, many people head to the beach if the weather permits, but never during Christmas itself.
For Christmas, we prepare special dishes such as chicken, pork, or beef, alongside Asian cuisine, grilled fish or seafood, fruit salads, cakes, and sweet puddings. A highlight of any grand celebration is lechon, a traditional whole-roasted pig.
Christmas in the Philippines is usually a big affair, involving not only the immediate family but also relatives and friends. On December 24, we attend a midnight church service, followed by music and karaoke.
This will be my first Swedish Christmas, and it truly feels like a dream come true to celebrate with my boyfriend in the snow, the beautiful lights, and this exciting new culture. Winter here is magical. We don’t have winter in the Philippines, so as a child, my only glimpse of snow was on TV. Experiencing it in real life now is absolutely fantastic, says Maria.
Maria Pricela Panugaling, 35, is a teacher who moved to Finspång, near Norrköping, in June this year to live with her boyfriend, Mikael Karlsson. She is currently in Skellefteå visiting her sister, Maria Fe Lundberg, 41, who also works as a teacher. Both sisters are originally from the Philippines.
Window No.5: "My strangest Christmas was when three elves arrived in a raggar car"
Nelly Liden, 18 years old, works in healthcare in Norsjö, and Tova Laine, 19 years old, works at Handlar'n in Bastuträsk. Both live in Norsjö.
– One early Christmas, when I was little, was a bit unusual. The some elves arrived in a raggar car, and although none of us children understood anything, it was still fun. My family have always celebrated with each other, so it's strange if any of us aren't there. You don't get that same exciting feeling, says Tova.
A raggar car, minus the three elves.
– I have lived in Skellefteå all my life until March of this year when my family and I moved to Norsjö, which is about an hour from Skellefteå. We enjoy it so much in Norsjö. Christmas is super cosy and a few families get together. As I grew up in a family that loves Christmas and celebrates it properly, it would be very strange if I didn't celebrate Christmas. My earliest memory was when I was little and ran to all the windows to check if I saw Santa, so I could open all the presents, says Nelly.
Nelly Liden, 18 years old, works in healthcare in Norsjö, and Tova Laine, 19 years old, works at Handlar'n in Bastuträsk. Both live in Norsjö.
Window No.4: "We have a 12-course Christmas dinner!"
Aleksandra Glowaczewski, 44, from Poland, has lived in Skellefteå municipality for 10 years. Here with her children Julia, 4, and Patryk, 6.
– This year we open our presents after we have eaten our Christmas dinner. In Poland, it is tradition to serve twelve courses and set an extra place for an unexpected guest. If someone visits us, we welcome them as family. After the meal, we wait to see the first star in the sky, says Aleksandra.
– At Christmas, my children and I sing traditional Polish songs. Both my children were born here, so I want them to learn and appreciate the Polish traditions. In Poland, Christmas Eve is the most important day of the year.
Aleksandra Glowaczewski, 44, from Poland, has lived in Skellefteå municipality for 10 years. Here with her children Julia, 4, and Patryk, 6.
Window No.3: Girls from Ursviken are winter crazy
Photo by: Donna Richmond.
(From left): Adèle Lööf, Moa Forsberg, Tilda Berglund, Ellie Forssell, Anna-Clara Havh, Lucy McMahon, Sofia Lundström, Alicia Fältèn, Minna Burman and Kajsa Vennström. All are in grade 7 at Ursviksskolan.
– Winter is fantastic in Skellefteå. We get so much snow! Things we love to do are watch hockey games, eat sushi, go slalom, sled, skate and ski.
Adèle Lööf, Moa Forsberg, Tilda Berglund, Ellie Forssell, Anna-Clara Havh, Lucy McMahon, Sofia Lundström, Alicia Fältèn, Minna Burman and Kajsa Vennström. All are in grade 7 at Ursviksskolan.
Window No.2: Spice parcels from Ethiopia
Adanech Abebe Gidebo, Ediddiyah 14, Rakeb 6 and Silvana 4
– Before I lived in Skelleftehamn, I lived in Stockholm, then in Kiruna. I prefer life here in Skellefteå; it feels much safer for my family. In my home country Ethiopia, there is conflict and civil war. We are on our way home to cook dinner. I miss traditional Ethiopian food. It is so good and spicy! I can't find everything I need here, but I'm lucky because my mom sends me food packages. She sends different spices, says Adanech.
Adanech Abebe Gidebo with children Ediddiy, 14 years, Rakeb, 6 years, and Silvana, 4 years.
Window 1: Baby Sebastian playing with this food
Hussein Al-Saedi, 38 years old, Sebastian Al-Saedi, 10 months old, Jeanette Johansson, 38 years old, and Julia Johansson, 16 years old
– We are about to have dinner at Kungsgrillen. The kebab roll is the best, and you can choose the vegetables and sauces you want. Baby Sebastian will eat spaghetti with minced meat sauce. He looks so cute messing with his food, says Jeanette.
Hussein and Jeanette have lived in Skellefteå for fifteen years. They love the city for its togetherness, tranquility and size.
Hussein Al-Saedi, 38 years old, works as an operations manager at Skellefteå Buss, Sebastian Al-Saedi, 10 months old, Jeanette Johansson, 38 years old, on maternity leave, works with children, and Julia Johansson, 16 years old, attends the Naturbruksgymnasiet in Burträsk and wants to work with animals, specifically horses, in the future.