advent candle

To count the days to xmas, here's the advent candle. I light it everyday and put it out at the right position. Not many more days left for xmas. ;-) 20th has yet to be lit.

There's also the chocolate advent calender for kids and those young at heart.

bowling

Finally it snowed today. We already had a bowling day planned so we were there in Myyrmäki Bowling and Minigolf Centre.

entire xmas from one door...

Koko Joulu Yhdeltä Ovelta = Entire Xmas from One Door is the catch phrase for City Market stores. The phrase is seen in the banners and this gift wrapping counter is right outside the store. I've never used their services as I usually like to wrap the gifts up myself.

Today was a Jumbo shoppin day with my mum and sis. ;-) Took this shot while resting my feet at the jumbo falls.

jus the sky...

The sky was a pretty sight today at 1530. Got a couple of shots but still caouldn't manage to capture it as the way i saw it. This is seen from my balcony. The temperature hovers jus below the zero the couple of days. Frosty but snow not in sight yet.

more candles

Here is another popular christmas custom in Finland. You can see various versions of these electric candle stand, from 2 to 5 to 7 candles. How do people prepare for xmas in your city? Any traditions and customs unique to your city?

Joulutähti, Poinsettia

Joulu-tähti = christmas star is the name for poinsettia in finnish. This is the real plant and is a very popular addition to the christmas season here.

white poinsettia?

holidays start

I was at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport early this morning. My mum and sis are visiting from Singapore. :D Today was also the last day of my exams. My holidays have begun... Yippee!!!

The above is the arrival hall shot before their arrrival. No time to take other shots after tat. ;-)

brightest tree

I suppose this must be the brightest tree in Tikkurila. Magnificent!
another look here

lights...

Taken this morning on my way to school (about 9am). Some of the households still had their christmas lights on. The lighting on the right are decorative lights adorning the trees. Such sights are common here. And it is welcoming to see these lights adorn the dark day.

ikea tree

Huge tree outise ikea, vantaa.