In the countries up north, as in Sweden where I live, this time of the year artificial light is very important to drive away the darkness. People say our mood up here is as gloomy and dark as this winter season… But on the 4th Sunday before Christmas Eve, we all put up stars and candlesticks in our windows. And they will be up at least until the middle of January. At our tables, one candle each Sunday is lit – in waiting for the birth of Christ.
I would like to share my windows with you – to light up this first Sunday of waiting.
Leya 
great photo in a great atmosphere
Thank you so much!
I love these photos, what a beautiful display of light in a dark month.
Thank you – I guess we need it!
I know I do 🙂
Me too
We so need these lovely lights in the dark days of winter. I have always wondered about our modern Christmas lights and where they originated. They must go back to Pagan times….but how did people keep their lights back then – candles, torches, I suppose. do you know anything about those ancient traditions?
Thank you for asking. Now I have to find this out! I guess people always, since they found out about fire, have used sources of light to chase away darkness and to keep warm. Especially here in the northern countries where darkness is long lasting. And there used to be an old pagan festival up here north at the same time of the year as our ”new”Christmas. We believe the celebration of Christ was just put in its place.
Of course the worship of the sun and awe of the moon and stars has to do with the bringing of light as well.
I have always suspected that not only the ”Christmas lights” but also the choice of an ever-green pine tree goes back to Pagan times and has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. I suspect the early Christian missionaries just superimposed Christian meaning on pre-existing customs…..
They knew how to do it.
So full of warmth – really gorgeous!
Warmth is essential these days!
Wow what beautiful photographs – the soft spill of golds are wonderful to see Ann Christine. These are making it feel very festive.
Thank you so much, Mary! Appreciate your comment!
Fint och mysigt 🙂
A lovely way to chase away darkness and gloom Ann Christine. To see such windows is so inviting and homely . I’m glad you keep some of yours bringing that feeling for you ‘til February – the winter months can seem so long .
Your gallery is gorgeous !
Thank you, Poppy! When I was younger I used to love the dark months – lighting candles and the fire at home. Nowadays I only long for spring.
Don’t have a fur coat – but I have loads of lights in my windows – just turned them on – not much different than yours. Love the light you’re spreading. Lovely post. Going to spread my light too, maybe tomorrow. *smile
Let’s do! In fact I think most people have more lights on than I have. ( four windows). I can see it growing – too much in some cases. Sometimes the house and its whole garden is on fire. Heard something about a record on the radio.Thousands of lights. I think in those cases it’s a waste of electricity that could have been better used!
Totally agree with you – the waste of electricity – is huge during the Christmas season all over the world – but everything should be in moderation, but some just have to be over the top.
And I try to only have them lite – a couple of hours in the evening, but it’s a beautiful tradition we have here in Sweden with our Welcome Lights.
It surely is – I wouldn’t want to be without it. The darkness is compact when we take them down in January…I’m always reluctant to …
While living in Belfast I had my lights up until the 1th of March – and my neighbors loved it – because they felt at home on their street when they saw my candles.
Last year I had my up to the end of January.
We should do what we feel for … really.
So true! i have some of mine on until February at least…
Truly stunning!! What a beautiful tradition! Just read about it on Viveka’s blog too. Shall have to visit Sweden in winter, even at the risk of my hothouse bones freezing solid 🙂
Ha, ha, you’re so welcome! Viveka and I want to be in the welcoming committee! We will have to borrow a fur coat for you…maybe Viveka has got one.
Such a treat to see your lights and to know that you light the Advent candles. The image of lights glowing in your Northern windows lifts my spirit.
That makes me happy! This morning the first candle will be lit. It’s so promising…But when the children were small Christmas was a great adventure. Now – I don’t know. It is so commercial out there…I never go to town to window shop either. Cuddle up at home by the fire instead. Have a great Sunday.
I would prefer to stay home by the fire too.
Wonderful windows filled with hopeful light filled reflections…..magical Anna Christine 🙂
Thank you, Seonaid – it’s needed this time of the year! Have a great Sunday!
Absolutely stunning!!!
Why, it’s only my windows…but thank you!
So beautiful!!! I miss the Nordic Christmas feel 😉
Come visit!