Fanni’s 19th-century log house—“I don’t stress over it, I just focus on what brings joy”
The Sundell-Sundström family’s Christmas blends delightful homemade touches, traditions, and easygoing family gatherings. After the morning rice porridge, even the chickens in the coop get a treat.
Sundell-Sundström’s family eagerly awaits Christmas. In the Finland-Swedish tradition, the season begins with a pre-Christmas party, usually held on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent. It’s almost like a mini–Christmas Eve—with a small tree, lovely decorations, delicious food, and time spent with friends and relatives. The children receive a few gifts, and an elf leaves chocolate calendars by the door.
Home: Located in Southern Finland, this 19th-century log house has five rooms plus a kitchen, totaling about 150 square meters.
Christmas celebrants: Fanni Sundell and Robin, Leo, 13, and Juni, 11, Sundström. Cats Lilli and Nisse, rabbit Sir Dumppe. In the yard, rooster Eggbert lives with his hens.
Follow on social media: @solskens_backen
“After our pre-Christmas party we slow down to enjoy our home’s cozy atmosphere, the Christmas tree, and the decorations. December 13, St. Lucy’s Day, also happens to be my father’s birthday. Our whole family goes to sing for him and indulge in lussebullar—saffron buns. It’s a lovely tradition,” Fanni says.
At home, Christmas preparations begin in November. Important shared tasks include making Christmas cards, baking gingerbread houses, and baking malt bread with a treasured secret recipe from a relative.
“I love keeping busy, but I won’t let it stress me out. I focus on what brings us joy.”
“The scent of evergreens, hyacinths, and cherished ornaments give us an authentic Christmas that feels like ours.”
“This place is so dear to us. I hope we can share many memorable moments here with family and friends.”
Solskensbacken is Fanni’s childhood home. When Fanni and Robin bought the house in 2008, they started extensive renovations. Although most of it is complete, they still dream of building a 30–40 square meter glass veranda off the kitchen so the entire extended family can gather there.
“This place is so dear to us. I hope we can share many unforgettable times here with family and friends.”
Painted elf-red, the house sits quietly among fields and forest. The nearest neighbor, who receives a homemade gingerbread house every year, is within walking distance. Christmas trees and other decorations from nature come from the family’s own forest.
In the kitchen, there’s a treats bar that anyone can dip into whenever they like.
For Fanni and Robin, Christmas is all about children, and it shows at Solskensbacken. Leo and Juni help decide what to make and do for the holidays. In the kitchen, a treats bar is set up, and everyone can drop by for a nibble whenever they like.
The kids’ favorite is the homemade Christmas calendar, filled with small surprises, treats, and sometimes books. Nothing costs more than a euro, which is why Fanni shops at flea markets and during post-Christmas sales.
Another favorite is the elf door. The elf at Solskensbacken is quite mischievous—one night, it drew mustaches on everyone! Amid these playful antics, the elf also has an important job: delivering Christmas wishlists.
“Every ornament comes with a story, and I hold each one close to my heart.”
The family cherishes their Christmas traditions. Christmas-themed books appear during the pre-Christmas party and stay through the holidays. Many date back to Fanni and Robin’s childhood, but they also find new ones at flea markets.
Alongside the books, a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle is a constant. They open it on Christmas Eve and label the box with who helped finish it that year.
“We collect memories, not things. Whatever we invest in must have sentimental value and bring us genuine joy,” Fanni says.
The children decorate the small kitchen tree together, and Fanni takes charge of the bigger tree in the living room. The kitchen tree goes up for the pre-Christmas party, while the bigger tree comes in about a week before Christmas Eve. Every year, Robin gives Fanni a new ornament for the big tree.
“Every ornament has a story, and I hold them all in my heart,” Fanni says. “I’m usually a minimalist who likes restraint, but at Christmas I become a maximalist—I love having everything in abundance.”
“At Christmas, I become a maximalist and love having plenty of everything.”
“Even though we can’t all fit around the table anymore, what matters is being together, and that us siblings still get to spend Christmas morning together.”
The family’s animals also get in on the Christmas spirit. Cats Lilli and Nisse savor their favorite meal—pike. For Nisse, though, plenty of gentle pats are the real treat, so he’s always where the fun is. Sir Dumppe the rabbit gets a plate of goodies, and the chickens get porridge with berries.
On Christmas Eve morning, Fanni’s siblings and their families gather at Solskensbacken for rice porridge.
“Even though we can’t all fit around the table anymore, what matters is being together, and that us siblings still get to spend Christmas morning together,”
After breakfast, they bring special treats to the chickens. As dusk falls, gentle clucking drifts through the yard. Now the family celebration can begin!
“I love keeping busy, but I don’t stress. I focus on things that bring us joy.”
