Dec 5-6, Snow storm.

While we have had some snow on the ground through most of November, our first real snow storm came at the beginning of December transforming the views from our apartment into picture postcards of a Swedish Christmas.

Below are some views from the windows of our apartment early in the storm.

Our landlords gave us the electric advent candles to put in the window with the instructions that they must be left on 24hrs a day.

Most of the windows in Sweden have such a display and it really helps cheer things up when the sun sets at 2:50pm.

We thought this was a lot of snow but it was just the beginning. In total we had an accumulation of about 10 inches or more from this one storm.

We've been out twice a day shoveling the walkways and the driveway -- our landlord has a bad heart so we don't want him doing it.

For a similar view shortly after we arrived, click here.

Some apples still on the trees; our place in the background.

On the short walk to the grocery store is Lee's favorite house.

The pictures below are from December 6 after most of the snow had fallen.

The trees are laden with snow. In some cases branches have broken and trees are leaning precariously.

The walk down Albavagen is one we do at least once a day on our way into downtown but we are having trouble getting used to the transformation into a winter wonderland.

For a similar view in late September click here.

Kids and sleds are out in force.

On this day we headed into Stockholm to walk around in the snow and then visit the Julmarknad (Christmas market) in Gamla Stan (the old town).

This market in Ostermalm is where you can find the best Espresso Blandning.

The Christmas market has been held at the same location since the 1300's! It fills a small square in the old town with wooden stalls selling wooden toys, Christmas decorations, roasted nuts, candy, and Glogg.

Glogg is an important part of Christmas -- it is like a hot mulled wine with spices, raisins, and almonds.

Notice the candles in all the windows.