Title: Swedish Family Celebrates “Christmas in July” with a Twist
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: Nättraby, Karlskrona
In the serene town of Nättraby, just outside Karlskrona, the Bodin Wolgast family has embraced the spirit of Christmas in an unconventional way. Their green garden has been transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with a Christmas sleigh, Santa Claus, and an abundance of colorful decorations. This unique celebration, known as “Christmas in July,” has garnered attention and piqued the curiosity of many.
The mastermind behind this joyful extravaganza is Maria Bodin Wolgast, a Christmas enthusiast who has always harbored a deep love for the holiday season. Inspired by the concept of “Christmas in July,” popularized in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa where winter falls in the middle of the year, Maria decided to bring the festive cheer to Sweden despite the summer weather.
“I have always been crazy about Christmas, and when I heard about ‘Christmas in July,’ I thought it was a good idea,” Maria, aged 39, shared. However, her relationship with the holiday took a tragic turn when her sister, just 18 years old and on the verge of graduating, was lost in the devastating tsunami that struck Southeast Asia on Boxing Day in 2004. Since then, Christmas became an emotional time of year for Maria, as memories of her sister’s disappearance resurfaced.
Determined to reclaim the joy of Christmas, Maria initiated the “Christmas in July” tradition, inviting everyone to join in the festivities. “The more, the merrier,” she exclaimed. This inclusive celebration has welcomed various family constellations, including Maria’s ex-partner, his new girlfriend, and other loved ones, fostering a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit.
“Christmas in July” allows for an exuberant display of kitsch and colors, marking a departure from the traditional December festivities. Maria explained, “There is room for things that are not allowed in the usual Christmas.” The warm summer months prompt the family to trade their Christmas sweaters for bikinis, although the chilly Swedish weather sometimes challenges their plans.
Amidst all the merriment, Maria has made one exception to her “Christmas in July” rule. The family upholds the cherished tradition of watching “Kalle Anka and his friends wish Merry Christmas,” a beloved Swedish Christmas television special, exclusively on Christmas Eve. This annual viewing, Maria emphasized, holds a special place in their hearts and must be preserved.
As the Bodin Wolgast family’s vibrant garden shines with festive cheer in the midst of summer, their celebration serves as a reminder that resilience and the power of tradition can heal even the deepest sorrow. “Christmas in July” brings hope, laughter, and an unforgettable experience for all those fortunate enough to witness the magical transformation of this Swedish garden.
[Insert Image: Maria Bodin Wolgast’s festive garden]
Sources:
Bodin Wolgast, Maria. Instagram post, April [Insert Date]. URL: [Insert URL]