The city gets into the Christmas spirit with "Lussekatt," a yellow bread shaped like a cat's tail, and "Glögg," a sweet, spiced hot wine.

In Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan, the Julmarknad (Christmas market) opens in late November.
Wooden stalls are neatly arranged, creating a nostalgic atmosphere as if stepping back in time.
Red stalls stand out against the snowy scenery, emitting fragrant aromas and warm lights.
It's a Christmas market filled with a unique Nordic warmth, rather than extravagance.

The stalls offer target games, sugar-coated almonds, Christmas ingredients like ham, mustard, and jam,
as well as Swedish classic carbonated drink Julmust, wool socks, gloves, ornaments, and other perfect gifts.

"Glögg" is the most popular drink.

In Stockholm's harsh winter.
It's easy to understand why people gather at the "Glögg" hot wine stalls, a popular Swedish drink, at the Christmas market in the Old Town square.

Typical Glögg is made by warming:

• Red wine

• Sugar

• Orange peel

• Spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, etc.)

• Finished with almonds and raisins

A sweet, warm sip brings a sense of comfort to a chilled body.
It's common in Sweden to enjoy it gradually in a small glass rather than a large mug.

There's also a wide variety of commercially available "spiced Glögg wine," lining supermarket shelves.
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available, which is a great plus as children can also enjoy it.
It's such a seasonal staple that many people "Glögg taste-test" with family and friends.

Saffron bread "Lussekatt," essential for winter fika

During the Swedish Christmas season, the yellow, cat-tail-shaped saffron bread "Lussekatt" is a must-have.

This winter classic features a soft, sweet dough with the elegant aroma of saffron, accented by raisins.
The scent of freshly baked Lussekatt wafts from bakeries, cafes, supermarkets, and convenience stores everywhere, making one stop in their tracks.

The smell of it being baked in a convenience store at the station is particularly "irresistible."
When I find a freshly baked one, I can't help but reach for it.

Before coming to Sweden, saffron was always a spice used in paella or pasta for me.
I was surprised by saffron in sweet bread, but I've been completely captivated by how well they go together.

The time spent making homemade Lussekatt is a small winter luxury.

Drawn by this charm, I also started baking large quantities of Lussekatt every year during this season.

The ingredients are simple:

• Flour

• Sugar

• Milk

• Butter

• Dry yeast

• Saffron

• Raisins

It takes about 30-60 minutes for two fermentations, and only about 10 minutes to bake.
If I bake about 30 at a time and freeze them, they're always ready for fika (coffee break).

Lighting candles,
baking saffron bread,
drinking warm glögg,
and enjoying the slow pace of winter.

This Swedish way of life has become an important winter tradition for me.

 The last Sunday of November is "First Advent"

Four weeks until Christmas from here.
The city and people are suddenly enveloped in a Christmas mood,
and just having Lussekatt and Glögg on the table
makes you feel the warmth of a Nordic winter.

This winter, perhaps baking Lussekatt on the weekend,
and enjoying a leisurely fika with your favorite Glögg might be wonderful.

Have a wonderful holiday season.