August, 2019 | Discover Sweden's Finest

Creating the perfect atmosphere for the holidays can be as much fun as the celebrations themselves. One of the ways that people in Sweden traditionally create authentic ambiance is with candoliers. These triangular centerpieces have a long history as instantly recognizable Swedish Christmas décor, and adding one to your home lends a little extra warmth and cheer to any occasion.

In the past, they were made with wax candles and live greenery, but today’s technology offers a distinct upgrade to the ease of creating a welcoming atmosphere. You can do just that by using an electric candolier. Crafted in the shape of the traditional piece, these contemporary products produce safe, instant light without messy clean-up or the need to replace melted candles.

If you want to embrace the seasonal spirit, there’s no better way than with an eye-catching display that’s emblematic of the cheer and history behind Swedish culture. The Nordic flair provided by the candolier blends perfectly with other Christmas decorations while also connecting your space with the unique craftsmanship and care that Sweden brings to one of its favorite occasions. Plus, a candolier’s visual appeal offers a great conversation starter between friends, family, and visitors as you enjoy Christmas with the people you love.

Today, Father Christmas is an easily recognizable figure across the world. The classic image that most people have of him, however, comes from a more enigmatic piece of folklore. The Swedish tomte, originally perceived as a spirit residing on farms and looking out for their wellbeing, has a long and storied history that makes it one of the most interesting pieces of the country’s culture.

Tomte translated means “homestead man,” and this is a fairly straightforward interpretation of what the mythological being is meant to be. It is believed that the first of the spirits were originally human — the very first farmer, who continued to tend to his home after passing away.

If one has an orderly farm that runs well, for example, it might be a sign that a tomte is lending a hand to the current owners. They tend to reside in specific areas, such as barns or pantries and take care of the house or much-valued farm animals. Their association with winter comes from the help they are said to give when the days get darker, and there is much work to be done before Christmas.

From this association and other popular figures grew Saint Nicolas or Father Christmas. The traditional interpretation of him as an older, good-natured man was adopted by the Coca Cola company in their famous early advertising. From there, the tomte became a welcome presence around the world — if only by a different name.

Posts made in August 2019

Set the Ambiance of the Christmas Season with an Electric Candolier

The History of the Swedish Tomte