Inside Jaana's Christmas Home

There’s an enchanting room in my house that radiates warmth, joy, and melody.

It’s our piano room, a sanctuary where music dances through the air and fills every corner with cheer.

This is where my husband Peter, a true maestro at tickling the ivories, brings the keys to life. When he plays, my soul finds peace and happiness, and I often find myself transported to memories of festive gatherings and cosy evenings.

I especially love it when Peter plays Christmas carols —classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas, and Silent Night. His music fills the room with a nostalgic glow, perfectly complementing the Christmas decorations.

In the corner stands our Christmas tree, a pencil tree decked entirely in gold. The shimmering golden ribbon lights remind me of flowing music notes, twirling in the air as Peter’s hands glide over the keys.

Beside the piano sits my cherished train Christmas tree, a delightful relic of over 20 years of celebrations. One of the little trains stopped working long ago when my now 16-year-old grandson, with his chubby toddler fingers, tried to pick it up.

His blonde hair, blue eyes, and cheeky grin remain etched in my heart, and the stationary train feels like a nostalgic nod to that tender moment. Time has a way of moving on, and this tree, with its still-traveling trains, reminds me to cherish each fleeting Christmas.

This year, I’ve added a new treasure to the room: the singing reindeer girls, lovingly crafted from paper by my dear friend Jenny.

These handmade carolers are utterly charming, holding their music books and singing their little hearts out. Their simplicity is a testament that joy doesn’t always come with a price tag. How perfectly they suit the piano room, standing as a sweet chorus to Peter’s melodies.

In this room, Mozart stands and watches over, his storytelling still alive centuries after his time. His intricate melodies and compositions, springing from pure joy and divine inspiration, seem to linger in the air.

Chopin plays in the corner with deep emotional intimacy, crafting music that feels like poetry. His waltzes whisper of longing and beauty, each note stirring the soul like a quiet, heartfelt conversation.

And then, there is Jokinen, playing across the other side. His name may not be as widely known to the world, but his music speaks straight to my heart, stirring it like no other. When he sits at the piano, he doesn’t just play music—he lives it. His hands become an extension of the keys, his soul entwined with the melody. I see it in his face as the tears fill his eyes, I feel it in every note, and I hear it in the resonance that lingers long after the song has ended.

This room feels alive, as though the very walls hum, engaging in a conversation not just with the keys but with the heart. Every note reminds me of the power of music to convey the unspeakable and transform feelings into sound. And what would Christmas be without music? If you have ever seen André Rieu’s Christmas concert, you’ll understand the power of music to stir the soul.

Some of my favourite Christmas decorations in our piano room—apart from the singing reindeer girls and my train Christmas tree—include Sven the reindeer, who watches patiently from the couch as a faithful audience. He was a thoughtful gift from my friend Dana’s son, Chase, who knows how much I love reindeer.

Then across the room sit two playful elves (tontut) that I knitted myself.

They add a whimsical charm, bringing laughter and warmth to the space.

Each piece in this room holds a story, a memory, or a connection to someone I love.

As Peter’s music fills the air, and the golden lights of the Christmas tree shimmer like music notes, I can’t help but feel the charm of this room. It’s a place where melodies come alive, where decorations sparkle; but it’s also where we gather, reflect, and celebrate life’s moments. This room, with its music, memories, and cherished keepsakes, is a part of our story. A story of love, laughter, and the melodies that make our hearts sing.

ps. If you would like to see a video of the piano room and have access to Instagram go to my page @naturallynordic