Inside Jaana's Christmas Home

The dining room truly comes alive during Christmas, doesn’t it?

It’s the heart of the season, where we gather to share a meal that’s more than just food—it’s a feast of love, laughter, and festive spirit.

The table gleams with its best, dressed in glasses poised for toasts, and a candles that twinkle with festive sparkle.

The room fills with the joyful buzz of loved ones catching up, the clink of cutlery, and bursts of laughter from shared stories or cheeky Christmas cracker jokes.

The air is rich with the comforting aroma of roasted turkey, glazed ham, and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from desserts waiting their turn.

This table is more than just furniture—it’s the keeper of traditions and the birthplace of new memories.

From someone excitedly opening their first cracker to another sharing cherished tales of Christmases past, it’s where the glow of Christmas comes alive.

Of course, closer to Christmas the table undergoes its annual transformation to accommodate my large, wonderful family. For now it’s just set for six.

As plates are passed, glasses are raised, and laughter fills the air, the room somehow feels bigger, even when it’s packed tight.

By the end of the day, the table is a beautiful mess—a canvas of crumbs, gravy spills, and sticky dessert smudges. It tells the story of another Christmas well spent.

Adding to this is the Willow Tree Nativity scene, a quiet yet profound reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

More than a decoration, it’s a work of art that breathes life into the story of that holy night with its graceful simplicity.

Each figure is carefully crafted, their expressive gestures and smooth, natural lines capturing a sense of peace and reverence.

The humble shepherds, and the watchful animals encircle the holy family, their muted tones and serene expressions creating a scene of timeless beauty.

At its heart, Mary and Joseph cradle the newborn Jesus, embodying tender love and awe.

Its soft, wood-like texture lends an organic feel, as though carved from the very essence of the story it represents. Placing the Nativity on display feels like a poignant reminder of hope, love, and the miracle that began it all. Together, the dining room and this nativity scene create a tapestry of tradition, family, and faith, weaving the story of Christmas into every corner of the heart.

I can hardly wait to stretch the table once again, transforming it into a festive centerpiece big enough to hold all the joy, laughter, and love of my family.

Next week, it will be decked out in its Christmas best, with enough place settings carefully arranged for every cherished member of the family, sharing stories and smiles as we enjoy our Finnish-Australian Christmas feast.

From the traditional Finnish dishes that remind me of home to the Australian favourites that have become part of our story here, the table will be laden with flavours that bridge generations and cultures.

It’s moments like these—when the table is full and so is my heart—that make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year.

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