Welcome to Anna’s Diary

There will always be something special about Christmas. Even though I live alone, I am very happy to have my family that I can meet during Christmas. I think about people being all alone.

Since I grew up in the countryside in Sweden, I suppose the traditions are even stronger compared to living in town. I remember that December was a month full of events that belongs to Christmas. Lutfisk, Lucia, making all goodies and good food, finding a proper Christmas tree and gifts, skiing, and maybe the best, the thrill that you now that Santa is going to give you gifts. If you have behaved well during the year. Several Christmas passed by before I understood that it was my cousin being Santa. I am easily fooled.

Now Christmas is a little different. My parents are older, my brother and I are also older. My auntie (extra mom) and her husband. But, the traditions are still here and it is very important for me. So beautiful to see all lights in the windows, christmas trees etc. Often we have snow in the countryside even though it is so close to Stockholm where there is no snow. And no polar bears 😉

It is a pity that my brother will not come to Ingbo herrgård this Christmas. I think he could come and see us, but due to his work, and maybe most importantly, due to autism it is difficult for him to travel a long distance back and forth in just a day. Even though I know he has autism, I find it difficult to understand why he finds it troublesome to travel.

He could travel when we grew up together (he went to see our auntie in Liberia and in Florida) but now it is difficult, almost impossible.

I believe all children have a difficult period during life with parents. That is a part  included in life. And it makes you develop. Since I am adopted, I had problems with my biological relatives since they wanted to have me back. I lived with my parents and brother and knew that my biological family did all they could to stop that. Is that nice to a child? My parents have done everything they can to protect my brother and I. I will write more about being adopted another day.

Now, since it is Christmas, I really hope that You will enjoy peace.

Christmas is a time for reflection.

Kram,

Anna

Hi friends!

Today has been a really nice day compared to yesterday. Blue sky and no rain. I just say lovely.

I listened to the news this morning and today there has been a big demonstration against nazism/racism in Sweden. That is very good news. There was also a discussion about why these negative forces grow, and, most likely, it is due to unemployment. I agree. If you have something to do, then there is no time to think about racism.

I bought some christmas gifts for my brother and parents. And to get into a “christmas mood” I listened to a concert with Loa Falkman and Miah Persson. There is no christmas without “O helga natt”. My father sometimes sing solo in the church so he has introduced my brother and me to christmas music. This christmas, however, the local church is closed. I know many songs by heart, so, a lot of memories comes back.

Finally, before ending this day, I made the classical Swedish dish “Janssons frestelse”.  Indeed a temptation and since I have lived in Norway I use some “Kongerøkelse” this evening . I will never forget Norway.

Sweet dreams,

Anna

Hi friends!

What I wrote yesterday may be a little difficult to understand, especially since it is written in Swedish. I don´t want to use so much time to adjust what I have written, I just give an idea. A penny for my thougth 😉

Today is a rainy day in Stockholm so I am just relaxing and doing some laundry. It was a long time since I just had a day off with no plans at all. Quite nice, actually. It is also the darkest day of the year. Looking forward to some days off during Christmas.

Have a nice day!

Many hugs from Anna