Are you still looking for presents...?

As of today, I am completely done! With Christmas shopping, that is. I traipsed around Gamla Stan picking up the last of my presents (for other people and a few for myself). I usually never shop in Gamla Stan but that may change. Today was a fantastic shopping experience--great service, unique gifts, cold weather that sent me in search of something warm to drink--I love when shopping is fun!

Since I am now finished with my Christmas shopping, I thought I'd help the rest of you who are still searching for that special gift...or need to escape the stress of shopping, here are a few suggestions:

• Tindra Stockholm on Österlånggatan 41 in Gamla Stan for yummy smelling soaps, gorgeous linens and other wonderful knickknacks.
• Original Global Art on Österlånggatan 22 for unique art from around the world at affordable prices.
• Teahouse Chaikhana on Svartmangatan 23 when you need a little halcyon after a jam-packed day of shopping and stress.
• For the little ones, why not some great kids' books from Bokspindeln on Odengatan 102 in Vasastan?
• For your adult book lovers, check out my friend Margaret's wonderful bookshop, New York Stories, Odengatan 100.
• Once you leave NYS with a huge bag full of books, you can swing by Caffè Como on Odengatan 106 for a grilled ciabatta and a latte.
• Need some toys? Go to Kalika on Österlånggatan 18 in Gamla Stan for handmade toys, doll houses, finger puppets--you name it! This store is magical...
• Need a present for your friend who loves to be spoiled? Go to Kiehl's on Mäster Samuelsgatan 5 for luxurious soaps, creams, facial products--you name it! This place is heaven!
• Need a luxury basket for your foodie friend? Go to Delicatessen Chez Jean-Yves on Upplandsgatan 54 for scrumptious cheese, pâté, biscuits, marmalades, sausages....
• If you need an espresso to keep you going as you walk along Upplandsgatan, pop over to Primafila on Upplandsgatan 16 and, while you're at it, book a barista course for your picky friend who wants to learn how to make the perfect espresso or latte. Andrea will take good care of you!
• While you're on Upplandsgatan, don't forget to stop by Odette's on Upplandsgatan 36 for scented candles, goodies from Designers' Guild, sumptuous bath towels...this is definitely one of my favorite stores in Vasastan.

So those are just a few suggestions to help you if you are completely frazzled and you're ready to have a nervous breakdown. And I promise--no more shopping posts. :)

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming...


...but in Stockholm there isn't a drop of snow, nothing to make you feel giddy and bubbly with Christmas spirit. Where the hell is the snow??? Outside, the sky is a dull shade of gray and the lack of sunlight--we've had two full days of rain in a row--is making me feel like a sleepwalker.

Slowly but surely Advent lights are turning up in people's windows and fairy lights strung round balcony railings. But where is the smell of glühwein and roasted potatoes and chestnuts...? Oh wait, I am thinking of Austria where the Christmas spirit is in full swing. What I wouldn't do for a steaming cup of apfelpunsch right now...

So this week I will continue my Christmas movie bonanza--what is the Christmas season without an overdose of corny Christmas movies that make you laugh or smile or even cry a little? Tord and I are both in the mood for Elf, which I bought when I was in the US but has since disappeared or at least gone MIA somewhere in our messy apartment. I saw Elf for the first time two years ago. I was in an awful mood (ill, depressed, probably a little grumpy) and its unadulterated silliness made me laugh so hard that I forgot about my sinus infection. Will Ferrell screaming, "Santa Claus is coming, Santa Claus is coming!" and all of his antics to make James Caan (his on-screen dad) love him kept a smile on my face for hours. It's brilliant--and I don't mean brilliant in a Wim Wenders Wings of Desire or a Cinema Paradiso kind of way. I mean brilliant in a laugh out loud I want to watch it every Christmas kind of way. I guess I will have to search for it at our local video store. Must have Elf, must have Elf!

Over the next few weeks my Christmas dosage of movies will include The Family Stone, The Preacher's Wife, The Bishop's Wife, Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life. I will probably drive Tord insane with all of my Christmas movies, but he's used to it by now.

I even made my own double disc compilation of my favorite Christmas songs...a third volume may soon join it... Ah....Christmas, well...okay, I can survive a little longer without snow....as long as I get to see Elf soon.