Inside Jaana's Christmas Home

Downstairs in our house, there is a special room filled with everything Christmas.

It’s a room where Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy have taken up residence, bringing laughter and joy to anyone who steps inside.

It’s a cosy space that invites you to pick up a Christmas book, whether you’re a child or simply a child at heart.

You can settle in under the warm presence of my beloved grandfather clock, next to my grandmother’s paintings and lose yourself in the pages of a Christmas story.

Next to the Christmas tree, with its sparkling ornaments and the gentle glow of its lights, you can totally lose yourself in the enchantment of the season.

This room holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of the children in my life.

It’s where they love to come, spend time, and even stay the night.

It’s our visitors’ room, but it feels more like a corner of Santa’s retreat.

Santa himself seems to think so, for he often checks the grandfather clock here.

He wants to make sure he doesn’t miss his midnight flight around the world to deliver gifts.

He’s even left a few early surprises, for the space under the Christmas dollhouse is swelling with packages.

There are also 12 Days of Christmas gifts tucked under a cheerful red-and-white pencil tree—gifts that hold a special story.

These 12 Days of Christmas presents came from my dear friend Dana in Florida. Despite her family recently enduring the devastation of Hurricane Milton, which left them without a home to decorate, Dana still thought of others.

Her kindness touched me deeply, reminding me of the true essence of Christmas: love and generosity.

Her thoughtful gifts have found a cherished spot in our little Christmas haven.

Among the residents of this magical room is Audrey, a baby doll who is one of my favourites.

Audrey delights in wearing her extra-long Santa hat, cuddling her favourite Moomin toy, and showing off her Finnish woolen socks and reindeer top.

Her dreams are as sweet as sugarplums, and she seems to glow with the warmth of the season.

With a room full of toy elephants, Moomins, Pluto, and a host of reindeer, the whimsical charm is unmistakable.

The bookshelf is another treasure trove of memories, adorned with drawings created by my talented niece.

Her artwork breathes life into the room, reminding me how special it is to celebrate creativity and family during Christmas.

Outside, the Christmas magic spills into the backyard, where two illuminated reindeer—Dasher and Dancer—graze contentedly on the green grass, visible from the window.

They were a thoughtful birthday gift from Dana, and they add a touch of festive cheer to the yard. In the quiet of the morning, they whispered their names to me, and I couldn’t help but smile.

It’s no wonder they’ve chosen Australia for a pit stop; while the rest of the world is blanketed in snow, our green grass offers a much-needed feast for weary reindeer.

One of the greatest challenges in this room, however, is keeping my sweet little granddaughter from opening all the presents prematurely!

To keep her hands busy and her heart full, I always have a new Christmas book ready for us to read together.

Sitting beside her, turning the pages, and sharing in the wonder of Christmas stories is one of my most cherished moments.

Her eyes light up as brightly as the tree, and it’s these small, precious memories that make the season so special.

This room is filled with stories, laughter, and love.

It reminds me of the importance of the joy we create together.

Whether it’s reading with my granddaughter, admiring my niece’s artwork, or feeling the warmth of friendships like Dana’s, this room holds all the reasons why Christmas is my favourite time of year.

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