#hygge - oregon girl around the world

A Scandinavian Alternative Christmas Playlist

Holiday music from Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Tis the season! And Scandinavia does it well. From festivals of light to delicious dishes to belting out tunes as you dance around the Christmas tree. Jul is cool up here in the north. My holiday tradition is to seek out some new songs to brighten the season. I do love the Christmas classisks by crooners and old school carolers, but will admit I need a little change in music to spice up our seasonal soundtracks. Last year I shared a playlist to warm your cold Scandinavian winter, you can find it here.

This year, let’s throw a Christmas party for the ones we love. And whether that fête features just your family or a full bevy of festively flocked friends, this playlist is built for an evening of fun. The Scandinavian independent music scene is incredibly diverse and inviting. So tune in, turn it up and try some of these new songs for your Christmas season. Light the candles and tap your toes. It’s gonna get hyggeligt up in here. Did I miss a favorite? Check last year’s list, then let me know!

Oh tell me why is Christmas only once a year? We should spread it out a little here and there. We should do a sleigh ride, do a hayride, do it during Gay Pride in July. Oh tell me why!”
– Crying Christmas Day Choir

Continue reading “Sample Some Scandi Ear Candy for Your Holiday Hygge” →

Scandinavian Palette Collecting

KLINT STRAND AT SPRING EQUINOX | NykøBING SJÆLLAND, DK

We have just returned from a lovely weekend at the Danish coast with friends and our families. It had all the trappings of some true Danish hygge. Laughter. Good food. Fresh fish from the local smokehouse. Skål (cheers) with snaps. Fab tunes. Fun games. Dips in the frigid sea. Warming up. Soaking up sunshine. Walks on the beach. Toasted marshmallows over the fire under a sky full of stars.

It was beautiful. And needed. A perfect start to spring. We stayed near the far northwest corner of Sjælland, the island where Copenhagen sits. Our summer house rental was almost to Sjællands Odde where you catch the ferry for Aarhus in Jutland. This area is called Odsherred. It’s little over an hour from Copenhagen. And it is definitely not odd. It is decidedly the opposite. It is truly lovely. And I was taken with the tones. The colors of the beach. A Danish beach. This is Scandinavia.