A Scandi Little Christmas

One of the highlights of our 2025 was the opportunity to visit Norway in July. I loved it for so many reasons including connecting with my Norwegian roots, seeing dear friends and staying in their home, and connecting with the unreal beautiful natural surroundings. Our pace wasn't frenetic and I came away healed and whole in ways I didn't know I needed. It's hard to even put into words. I also LOVED the Scandinavian folk art and handwork I encountered. As a result, I decided I wanted to make this year an extra Scandi-style + hygge Christmas at our house.

Scandinavian Inspired Christmas Quilt

The main homage to my Scandinavian-inspired Christmas this year was the Scandi Hearts Quilt that I designed. This is my 2025 Christmas quilt and I'm so pleased with how it turned out.

You can read more here about how this design was inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of julehjerter, or woven paper hearts. I was also so excited to find the perfect Scandinavian-inspired folk are fabric in my stash for the back.

When I took the pictures for this quilt the traditional white pillowcase that I used belonged to my Grandmother who was half Scandinavian, which felt like a perfect homage to her. (She had one Norwegian grandfather and one Danish grandfather and grew up very close to both of them.)

Scandinavian Christmas Decorations

But that wasn't the only Scandinavian inspiration this year. Over the years I've gradually collected Scandinavian Christmas ornaments that my Norwegian friend has sent to me.

When I was in Norway last summer she gave me some little strands of paper Norwegian flag garlands that I hung on my mantle and in greenery over the door.

You can find similar paper flag garlands for various countries on Etsy.

Woven ribbon is a great way to give a your Christmas decor a Scandinavian flair. Woven Scandinavian ribbon is iconic for its crisp geometric patterns, simple, often two-toned, color palettes; and the way it turns everyday textiles into something both practical and beautiful.

Rooted in folk tradition (more about Brikkevev), these sturdy bands show up on everything from clothing trims to holiday décor-instantly recognizable as classic Nordic design. I got the ribbon for the wreath above at Knot & Spool in Salt Lake City.

I found this beautiful ribbon here from an Etsy Shop in Minnesota called Falu Red. They also carry other beautiful handcrafted goods made in Sweeden.

Etsy has other great Scandinavian finds including clip art, embroidery patterns, etc. I also found the cutest handmade sweater ornament with a Norwegian Flag from KnitMyMood on Etsy. (She has other flag and custom options available.) It came in the cutest packaging too - would make a very sweet gift.)

Other things I got when I was in Norway including my wooden Norwegian Flag thjat I purchased and this Norge class jar also given to me by my friend.

The intricate cut paper art pieces are called paperklip and are from Denmark. It grew out of a broader European love of cutting folded paper into symmetrical designs and was practiced most famously by Danish author, Hans Christian Anderson.

Where to find inexpensive Scandinavian Christmas Decor

If you're looking to collect some Scandinavian Christmas for your home, the easiest place to find it in the US is at Ikea if you have one in your vicinity. The Christmas decor, wrap, ornaments, etc arrives in September and is pretty much picked over by November so go early.

I got our giant lit star at Ikea and they have them most years.

I also got these traditional Scandinavian ornaments made of straw at Ikea. (You can also find similar traditional Scandinavian straw ornaments here.) I've also found white paper 'lanterns', various gnomes and other Scandi decor and gift wrap there in years past.

I have a string of paper Danish bunting flags too that I got at Flying Tiger one year.

If you're not familiar with Flying Tiger, it's the cutest Danish store that's kind of like a combination between Dollar Tree and Ikea with some of the funnest, quirkiest housewares, art supplies, toys, etc. There were a handful of locations in the US at one time - the first time I ever went to one was in New York - but they all closed in 2020. 😔

There are loads of store locations throughout Europe. I always check to see if there's one in a city I'm visiting anytime I'm in Europe. (For example, there are multiple locations in London.)

The Dala Horse ornament below also came from Flying Tiger.

Another new favorite European Store that my friend Julie introduced me to this summer is Søstrene Grene. That is where I got the traditional red and white twine as well as the heart basket ceramic ornament.

Søstrene Grene (pronounced roughly "SUS-truh-nuh GREN-uh") is a beloved Danish lifestyle shop known for its calm, minimalist "Scandi" aesthetic and surprisingly affordable finds. Think of it as a cozy mix of home décor, craft and art supplies, stationery, kitchen goodies, kids' items, and little gifts-everything beautifully designed, nicely priced, and perfect for browsing when you want a small dose of Danish hygge.

Søstrene Grene feels calmer and more "Scandi"-soft colors, minimalist design, and a cozy, curated mix of home décor and craft supplies. Flying Tiger is louder and more playful, with bright, quirky gadgets and party-style impulse buys that feel a bit more chaotic in the best way. I love them both - wish they were here in the US.

Vintage Scandinavian Christmas Art

Adding vintage Nordic art is another easy way to bring in that cozy, old-world charm. Classic illustrations by Jenny Nyström - often credited with defining the beloved Swedish jultomte (mischievous little Christmas gnome) - feel instantly nostalgic in framed prints, postcard garlands, or even gift tags. My personal favorite are scenes like this one from Carl Larsson, famous for his light-filled watercolors of family life and home interiors in Sweden. (You can find prints of his work on Etsy and Amazon.)

Make Your Own Scandinavian Christmas Decorations

Of course, you can also make your own Scandinavian-inspired Christmas decorations.

I made this set of classic red and white embroidery designs in a hoop in 2025 using a kit from Cozy Blue Handmade.

White embroidery on wool felt is also fun and easy way to make classic shapes with simple stitches like a blanket stitch.

And finally, try your hand at the traditional julehjerter, or woven paper hearts. I made my first ever paper heart baskets this month, which felt full-circle after making the Scandi Hearts Quilt.

These traditional woven paper hearts are a beloved Scandinavian Christmas tradition that began in Denmark in the 1800s and spread throughout the Nordic countries. (You can find a little more history here.) Made from two folded strips of paper woven into a checkered heart-shaped basket, they're hung on Christmas trees and often filled with nuts or sweets.

I used this tutorial with a free pattern template to make my paper hearts.

You can also find SVG cutting files to use ona cutting machine (like a Cricut) to make even more elaborate versions like the ones below.

Make time for a little hygge

Whether a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas is your thing or not, I hope you'll still enjoy a little hygge this winter season.

Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is the Danish idea of creating a feeling of cozy contentment - simple comfort, warmth, and togetherness in everyday life. You can practice hygge by setting the scene (soft lighting, candles, a warm drink, comfy blankets), slowing down (phone away, savor the moment), and choosing small pleasures that feel genuinely nurturing - like a simple homemade meal, a quiet evening of reading or handcrafting, or a game night with people you love. The goal isn't "perfect," it's peaceful-making ordinary moments feel a little more safe, calm, and joyful.

I think us makers and quilters are perfectly suited for the hygge life. ❤️