Christmas or Jul has been very different this year as expected. Surprisingly it was also better than expected but I had pretty low expectations to start so nowhere but up to go.

This week I went to my father’s former town of Höör and visited the family graves. Farmor, my father’s Mother, does not have a headstone but her ashes were scattered in this really beautiful place with a water feature and hillside as she wanted.

My father, his brother and my grandfather all share a grave. His former girlfriend appears to be looking after it. It is the first time I have been here and I wasn’t sure I would until I got on the train. I have mixed feelings about it. I did meet my uncle’s childhood friend while in town.

The train goes by my former home outside of the town of Höör, where my father lived in the end. It would have been handy right now but not sure I could have lived in this small town. I like the city.

We got a bit more snow but it has disappeared already. It is really cold as I hear it is in Washington as well. It was nice to wander around the town with snow falling.

For Christmas eve I went to my friend Maria’s. She was kind enough to let me join her daughter’s family with their 3 children under the age of 8. It was fun to see their excitement and it brought a special magic to the day. They put out rice porridge and were waiting for tomte (santa). I also got to see the Donald Duck (Kalle Anka) program they watch at 3 pm on Christmas eve. It was better than expected.

The next day was quiet in the morning. In the evening I was able to talk to the kids and grandkids over Facebook messenger. It was really fun and they get so excited, they especially like using all the filters on the phone to make funny faces. It was nice to share their morning with them.

Merry Christmas! I wish you all a joyous season with your family and friends and those without may you know I understand. It has been different but good. I am blessed in so many ways and today I get the keys to my new and hopefully last apartment until I decide what to do next. Very excited! More on that next time. Have a wonderful day.