NordenBladet – Oh, I have sooo much to catch up on with you… but since I have to start somewhere, I’ll begin with Christmas. The last time I wrote about Christmas was in my 2022 blog post HERE. So this time, you’re getting a two-year update all at once! 😛 Hahaa.
In December 2023, our whole family was in Spain, which got me thinking that we should spend more winters there. But why Spain? Why not the south of France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, or even somewhere farther away like the U.S. or Thailand? Honestly, I don’t think I can give a very rational or well-argued answer. The main advantages are that Spain is relatively affordable, quite close, and by now, I’ve been learning Spanish for almost a year.
Check this out, how cool is that? 🤭😜😎:
Many of my friends think that the southern coast of Spain is still too cold in winter. For me, as long as I don’t have to shovel snow, defrost my car, and can get by with just a sweater or hoodie, I’m happy. I don’t necessarily need T-shirt and sundress weather. What I appreciate most is the light and the fact that I can go for a walk every day. Of course, I could do that in Estonia too, but trudging through cold and snow isn’t really my thing.
In Spain, we rented a car from OK Mobility at the airport for 14 days so we could explore the area. Over Christmas, we spent seven nights in Málaga and booked a three-bedroom apartment through Booking.com.
The streets in Málaga and the surrounding towns were beautifully decorated, but despite that, you just don’t get that traditional “Christmas feeling” among the palm trees. Honestly, I didn’t really miss it either. We ate out a lot, but since we rented apartments, I also cooked at home. The Christmas dinner in Spain in 2023 couldn’t really compare to the one in 2022 or to the feast we had at Allan’s mom’s house this year… hahaa.
At home in Estonia, we have handmade dinnerware for each season—our December set features teddy bears, Christmas trees, and rocking horses. I’ve been attending a pottery class with my younger daughter, Ivanka Shoshana, for years, and as a result, we get to enjoy beautiful and unique handmade ceramics at home. I’ve said this a million times, but food really does taste better when served on your own handmade dishes! Do you also feel that objects have a soul and aura? I feel it very strongly.
In December, I also love looking at store decorations—they are always so beautiful and magical. And of course, gingerbread cookies—OMG, I LOVE gingerbread! Every December, I make sure to stock up so I can enjoy them until at least March. Yummmm.
Now, here are some pictures from this year’s Christmas at Allan’s mom Sirli’s place in Kadriorg. Whether it’s Christmas or any other gathering where Allan’s brother Ardo and his wife Tiina are present, you can be sure the food will be EXCEPTIONAL! A top chef and a former top chef… what more could you ask for, right?! We divided up the tasks—Allan’s mom took care of the potatoes and sauerkraut, Ardo made an incredibly delicious and beautifully plated meat dish with vegetables, I prepared the cold appetizers (falafel, eggs, onions, caviar, mozzarella snacks, hummus, etc.), and Tiina made dessert (two types of Crème brûlée—one classic and one with cloudberries).
That’s all for now! Sending hugs! ❤️
