My mom is Swedish, and so, much of our family traditions and culture are influenced by her heritage. The twisty candle holder above we got on a trip to Sweden when I was eight. And Svenske pankokker (Swedish pancakes) are a staple around here. Swedes traditionally have them with lingonberry jam, but in a regional twist, we top ours with homemade strawberry jam.
Sam enjoyed his very first Swedish pancake and it was a big hit. He's sitting in the high chair I mentioned earlier; it also converts into a little seat with a tabletop on wheels. I love it.
My aunt Sonja, my mom's older sister, is a crafter extraordinaire. I can't remember a Christmas growing up where my brother and I didn't receive handmade mittens from her. She made a beautiful quilt for Sam and she's constantly knitting beautiful, cable-knit sweaters for my mom and dad. Her latest project was this special, Swedish blanket. She saw one like it at a friend's house, studied it carefully, bought the materials and went to town. She just invented the patterns herself and wove in all the colored threads by hand, I'm so impressed.
I love how my mom's history permeates our home. It especially comes alive at Christmas when we put the Swedish flags on the tree and hang tapestries of the Tomte, the Swedish elves that put candy in your shoes. I'll have to remember to share some pictures this winter.
