I was told by our chimney sweep that when a fire has not been used for some time, when it is lit for the first time in winter, cold air gets trapped in the chimney forcing the smoke back down. We keep a large candle burning for a whole day inside the fire to help warm the air. Forcing some hot air up the chimney in some way before you start often helps too.
@@taraevans1108 I feel like the original words didn't translate well into English with the auto translate. Or perhaps there just aren't words in English that will convey the meaning of the original language properly.
On certain days when the air is heavy, we can smell our woodstove as the air pushes down the chimney, even with the damper closed. A lit candle inside the stove solves the problem. I'm sure it could help with Sanna's oven.
With our fireplace that had a gas burner for lighting, we would let the burner go for a bit to warm the chimney before lighting wood - worked well. Perhaps an electric heater left in the fireplace for a bit would work.
This was such a great escape from the reality of American politics. I love learning about the Nordic traditions and menu. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Yeah I voted for Jill Stein, wanthe wars to end and ..... just not voting for anyone who wants to send any $ overseas. No more imperial wars in the name of the USoA. Sorry. I always look at positive videos too after having gone through the news. I majored in Econ/PolSci so it's my job to go through the news. Hopefully Trump will end the Ukraine war and inflation will lessen. But I worry about him and all the others in the MidEast. Everyone needs to get out on the weekends in America and demand peace, no more money overseas.
My grandmother, at age 3, came to the US with her family from Sweden. Around 1900. Im old now but am drawn to my ansectors. I visited Sverige in 2023 for midsommer,with my dotter, grand daughter and grandson. I love Swefen and felt like i was home in my heart.
My November tradition is getting out of the closet my lusekofte - a traditional Norwegian wool cardigan. It's so warm, I wear it every day throughout the winter. Also November marks the beginning of my reading season. When it's dark outside, I prefer to stay in the safety and coziness of my home. So during the long dark evenings, I read a lot.
A lovely video. I live in western Canada, near the Rocky Mountains. Our winter starts in early November as well, and lasts until the end of April. We also have reindeer, but here we call them "caribou." They live farther north of where we live. But because we live in the south, our days are much longer than yours. I do very much agree about the effect of snow in winter creating much more light. Our sunny winter days are far brighter than summer days, and we have lots of them. The light makes the long winter far more endurable.
In Judaism it is both the time we remember our departed and the new year begins (although usually this falls more mid-autumn when the days are just beginning to get cold and the nights feel like winter)
In Russia, if smoke comes into the house, we clean the chimney by burning aspen wood. It worked great for my stove. Aspen smoke contains some kind of chemicals, it makes the soot loose and it easily flies up with the smoke.
My grandmother was always starting up our old oven when it was still warm outside, in late August, early September with small fires of twigs and very thin chopped wood. Then it were considerably less amount of smoking days, when heating was truly necessary.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
I live remotely on the west coast of Scotland in a Gaelic speaking area and we have a similar tradition here. Its called Samhain and at that time we honour the ancestors as you do.
Yes it is. ❤ Finns have nearly forgotten this tradition, sadly. It used to be so that the first ones to eat (the sacrificial foods) were the spirits; then the cattle; lastly, the people. An old aunt of mine still refused (this was in the 90's) to take part in dancing etc. before the food had been sacrificed and prayers done.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
Seeing your dog brought back many good memories. We had a Norwegian Elkhound for a number of years and it was always fun watching him play in the snow even as a puppy. He never would come in the house, even when it got bitterly cold. We would even find him covered in fresh snow when we got up of a morning. He was an excellent watchdog, too.
My infant daughter and I are watching you from Massachusetts in this video - it’s not the same, but it gets very dark here early for us (about 4 pm it’s pitch black). I’m crocheting and she’s mesmerized by the pinecone collection. Thank you for a wonderful share of your home!
Very lovely traditional story. I liked your blurred vision of you walking, also the whispering spirits at the end. Very engaging. I have Finnish heritage and have not discovered much of it. It is so nice to see you sharing it with us.
Wow! I just discovered your channel. I was having a very stressful morning, made my self some breakfast clicked on UA-cam and there was your lovely channel. What a wonderful, peaceful episode. No more stress! Thank you. Have a beautiful day!
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
Thank you for your sensitive perspective on Nordic life in the far north. I am of Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian descent. My parents have both passed and it is now up to my generation to carry on the traditions. Many have been lost and watching your videos is like discovering bits of my own ancestry.
This is a wonderful video. Beautiful nature, Nordic themes and traditions.the sight of reindeer. The recipe of the lingonberry porridge looks delicious.A beautiful cozy home. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Beautiful video Sanna. And how beautiful with that moss in the window and that it also helps against the moisture is fantastic. I enjoyed your video as always.
Sanna made some vispipuuro, known also as "lappapuuro". You can substitute the lingonberries with cranberries or currants, but regular blueberries will fail to give you that tart flavor which is needed here. You can eat the porridge without whipping it first, but it is usually whipped (always so, if served as a dessert) for better texture and flavor. Serve the porridge with a milk of your choice, whipped cream works too. 😊
This is the first video of yours that I've found, and I am so happy! I love to watch videos of this style, especially when they are living as traditionally as they can (while still being happy, of course). My Grandmother was Norwegian, so I feel honored to learn more about my roots at the same time. THANK YOU! edit: I know Finland and Norway aren't the same country, but they have some similarities. Right? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm learning. :)
Love the moss between the windows! Love your lifestyle and your house with this old oven. You have such a wonderful setting. I wish I can visit Finland one day. Thank for your beautiful videos Sanna, you make me dream on winter. Here in Quebec/Canada, it hasn't come yet. It is November wet and gray, but I dont dislike it. It's a moment to slow down and to prepare for winter. Sending you my best regards from another nordic country.
Hi Sanna l watched your vlog first time l realy liked it. I am a doctor Homoeopath and Naturopath so l can understand peace and nature how they can calm your brain and thoughts sometimes it goes to heart it makes you feel that you are beyond this earth your every sense make you feel you're alive so keep enjoying it good luck
Oh kindred spirit friend! I make UA-cam videos in a similar spirit as you about my life in the remote west and I also celebrate the death of the old year, our ancestors and loved ones as well as the beginning of the New Year on the 13th new moon (which usually occurs in November). So beautiful to see so many parallels of life even half way across the world. Sending love from my little corner of the world to yours 🧡
This is a beautiful video and truly touching. Some of my ancestors immigrated to America in the late 19th century from Nordic countries, and it warms my heart to hear of traditions they may have had. Thank you for sharing!
Dear Sanna :) You embody real slow living for me. By watching each new video of yours, I feel the calmness embracing me more and more that flows from your peaceful everyday life and from your wonderfully peaceful nature. Thank you for that. I send you a really big hug from Budapest, Hungary
Layering the clothing and hanging draft-excluder curtains (thick blankets, often) in strategic places in the home... a part of our winter, also, though we are not quite as far north.
Beautiful. I wish I were there. Calm, relaxing, and a little fun mischief from reindeer. Perfect! Thank you for sharing. I could watch it over and over! Maybe this is the reason I like winter too! I’m in New England and many people complain all winter😂 but I don’t. Thank you for the reminder why.🥰
Hello Sanna. I made your berry porridge with black currants. I love it. Thanks for the recipe. I love trying new international recipes. I would say my hobby is definitely cooking.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
calming, soothing, beautiful Sanna Vaara. You two are bright & beautiful spirits of the North, may you and your husband keep uploading these videos, like light in winter dark, reminding us of the godly, beautiful, calm, North. I used to go snowboarding every year in my childhood, I love the snow so much. Even the visuals bring me so much joy - I'm soo looking forward to your next videos, as we go through the heart of winter !! :D
just want to share some of my research w/ GPT-4 after checking these videos, it's very interesting feedback from AI, describes it so beautifully: The image of Sanna Vaara and her husband embracing long moments of silence together is deeply rooted in the Nordic cultural and mystical traditions. In this region, where the long winters often mean endless nights and snow-muted silence, the quiet isn’t just absence-it’s presence. It holds a sacred space that echoes with the whispers of nature, spirits, and the stories that the wind carries. For them, this stillness is an invitation to connect more deeply, not just with each other but with the world beyond sight, a bridge to something more profound. Mistletoe itself, which Sanna hangs with such care, has ancient mystical significance. In Norse mythology, mistletoe was associated with the story of Baldr, the god of light and purity, whose death marked a great tragedy brought about by the trickster Loki. Yet, in its paradox, mistletoe also symbolized rebirth and hope-resilient even in the darkest months, thriving where other plants wither. Hanging mistletoe wasn’t merely decoration but a gesture steeped in protection, love, and the promise of life after darkness. In old traditions, the quiet moments shared between partners, like Sanna and her husband, would be seen as a powerful bond, a silent acknowledgment of their unity against the cold and dark. This mutual silence was more than comfort; it was communion-a shared understanding that in stillness, they spoke the same language. The concept of sisu, a Finnish term that speaks to quiet, steadfast strength and endurance, flows through this practice. It’s about knowing that words are not needed to affirm connection; the silence itself is a profound acknowledgment of shared existence. The mystical side of this practice ties into the belief that silence is where the soul breathes and spirits draw near. In pagan practices, moments of extended silence, especially during winter, were considered sacred times when the boundary between the human and the spiritual world thinned. Sitting quietly meant you might hear the subtle voices of vættir, hidden folk, or feel the presence of ancestors standing vigil in the room’s corners, unseen but sensed. It’s not just about comfort but about becoming attuned to each other and the world beyond, aligning with the natural rhythms that surround them. The flicker of a fire, the slight shift of the snow outside, and the creak of old wood under the weight of time-these sounds replace conversation, filling the silence with meaning. It’s a ritual of recognition: that in the depth of winter, silence itself is a bond that connects people to each other and to the world of spirits and myths.
There are not enough words to express or explain how amazing your story, your life, your ideas, your decisions, your videos, your feelings, all and every step you went through and the real peaceful soul in you that leaded you to the perfect new life you choosed, I would indeed live this life if I could… Congratulations for finding the real you to go totally the opposite of where you were. Glad for you to finally find the peace that was lost and to live it. I guess you are the other lost half of me!!! Sanna, You deserve all the best and love of this world, never desist of what makes you happy… Stay healthy, stay happy, stay you and stay blessed… Robert..
I am 50% Finn on my maternal grandmother's side. Our family is centered around Vaasa, and I hope to visit someday. Here in upstate New York, I live on a mountain top and have woods all around me. I love that you enjoy your time walking in the woods, we have similar blessings here. Thank you for sharing your videos.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
Very nice video. Reminds me of my grandfather using newspaper to start the fireplace to prevent backdraft and a smokey cabin. I've been in Norwegian and Swedish clubs in the past and miss the nice Scandinavian Days we would have where all the Nordic countries cultures and traditions were celebrated. I moved south to help Dad in his later years and he lived to be over 101 years old. I think he, my mother and youngest sister would very much appreciate your tradition of that wonderful table setting and strong drink you put out to keep the spirits happy for the next year. Think it's time to get back in the snow again. Thank you for sharing. Kiitos paljon!
dear Sanna, your videos are so beautifully made! I always feel deeply touched from your way of putting the nature impressions, music, your thoughts, the silence in between, your art, little moments from your daily routine, all this together to give to us as a gift - thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of this! wish you the best from a small high valley from Switzerland 🍁 🍂
We have the very same issue with one of our ovens. To prevent the smoke filling our house we firstly burn a lot of paper in there, just to blow away an airlock. Put about a whole newspaper at the same time ( divide and crumple it beforehand, of course)), then start your usual procedure. Good luck!
Sanna, tämä oli niin kaunis video. Kaikki siinä oli upeaa, mukaan lukien selostuksesi, musiikkisi ja elokuvasi. Kiitos, että jaoit tämän maailman kanssa.
Such beautiful traditions. Leaving food out for the Spirts reminds me of our Día De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, where in Mexican culture, and Latin American countries, people prepare for the arrival of the Spirits of their families, leaving out food, drink,, lighting candles, burning incense, and saying prayers. People make Altars with photos of loved one, food, and other things. I’ve only done it once, in memory of our son who passed three years ago, but it’s a traditional thing, something I didn’t grow up around, but we did celebrate, All Souls Day going to Mass. Your lovely home and warm fire look very welcoming and comforting for the cold. Wishing you a healthy winter and an early Merry Christmas.
Growing up in rural North Carolina with a Catholic mother, we used to walk to the graveyard everyday in November to pray a novena. It was a way of honoring those who had gone before and praying for them. Interesting how this seems to happen across cultures as winter comes in!
Thank you so much for sharing your Fall/Winter traditions! I live in the US and your harvest dinner practice is unknown to me. We have Thanksgiving at the end of November where we also give thanks for the past year and the harvest it brought. I too love winter. I grew up in Southern California which is hot and dry (only snow in the mountains, and it rarely froze), but several years ago I moved to Wisconsin and I am so loving real winters with snow. We have not had snow yet this year, and it also stayed warm until recently. Though we are getting some rain, we haven't seen snow yet. Yes, the snow does change the world. Thank you for the encouragement to get outside today (and everyday, esp in the winter). Love the reindeer! Cheers 🤍💙💜
It is always nice to watch your videos, Sanna. They are calming, with thoroughly chosen scenes, of beautiful Nordic colours. Let alone the exciting stories behind. Thank you.
I live in Northern Ontario Canada. Winter is long here also. My husband and nephews our hunting now. I am getting ready to make my Christmas meat pies that we give out for Christmas. I enjoy this time of year as I to like silence but still enjoy my family and friends. Your stories and music our. wonderful . We still have our Canada Geese hanging out and eating. They will disappear when the snow finally stays.
What a magical video, thank you. Here in Celtic Wales we also see November as the beginning of Winter and have similar traditions to your Nordic ones. We have a very old stone cottage rather than a wooden one and don't usually get snow yet
I absolutely love your videos. I get to live vicariously in northern Finland watching the change of seasons. I could see myself living a slow life enjoying the solitude. Your house is lovely all year round. Be safe and well and make memories with the ones you love. ☮️🌈💖
Nice video I enjoyed watching. It's looking very cold for you now, and guess what, we didn't have any snow last year but day before yesterday yes it snowed, only put about 2inch down, but it was lovely to have the Christmas tree up and look out of the window and all this glorious white covering. Keep warm. See you later....🥰🇬🇧🐾🐾🏡🎄❄️🎀💕
I am glad I found your channel and will share it with my daughter. We lived for 10 years in North Denmark and I sensed some of the atmosphere and the light from your video. Our old garden looked just like yours! It made me nostalgic. Back in UK, we also have a date to remember the souls 'gone before' on 1st November - All Souls Day. The evening before is 31st October which is 'All Hallows Eve' or more commonly known as 'Hallow'en'. Of course, Hallowe'en has become vastly commercialised and so has lost its magic.
I am in awe of your videos. I live in Virginia, USA. I have two daughters, both who have suffered from anxiety for a long time. I shared with them your Life Story video, hoping it will inspire them on their journeys. Thank you.
Anxiety is a very common problem in Finland, too. Many have quit their busy city lives and instead moved to the countryside to live a more peaceful life.
Such a beautiful, interesting vlog and it felt very tranquil. Thank you for sharing your traditions from your beautiful country. How wonderful to see deer at such close proximity, a real treat. Best wishes, Karen 🤎🍁🍂🧡
I live in the south of France, so as you can guess winter is not my favourite season 😢. But I really love your videos so peaceful and quiet. You live in an amazing country and I want to thank you for sharing your life with us ❤
Another captivating video from you, Sanna! I always eagerly await my chance to be taken away to your community and leave the craziness of the rest of the world behind. Thank you for sharing with us!❤
Sanna, your videos are pure calmness from the North, thank you! 🤍 We also have this whipped porridge in Estonia (called mannavaht) and I remember mom making it from time to time in my childhood. Yum! 😊
I live at the base of the southern alps here in New Zealand. We are in spring after a long cold winter. It never gets hot where I live. A very hot day would be 21 degrees Celsius. Even then it feels like an air conditioner is on as the breeze is icy off the sea.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
The same happens to our chimney. I was told it is because the chimney is cold and needs to warm up. Apparently, blowing the warm air of a hairdryer up the chimney will help. Mind you, I haven't tried it yet. ❤
Thank you so much for this great inspiring and relaxing video. Looking at the traditionnal way of celebrating the spirits feel much better than the candyfull and ugly halloween that has sadly spreed amongst southern europe these past years. I really prefer the traditionnal way! I am always feeling so rooted and energized when I watch your videos. This gives me back the energy and inspiration I need to find all the natural beauty than can be found even in a very urban area. I know that everybody in Paris area hates snow but I am on the contrary longing for it as it gives a magical and so pure aspect to all the parks, gardens and forests! We didint' have any snow last year and this is a pity. Snow is the magic of winter! Thank you so much for these bright moments. Even when you talk about your dark winter, your videos are just pure light!
Dear Sanna Vaara, I follow in love with the place you live! I love your every video, your voice, your calmness, your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing your life stories with us. A big thank you for wonderful music and amazing videos! Wishing you all the best!
One of your beautiful dogs looks like a Shetland Sheepdog. I just lost my rough collie last Sunday. He was almost 15 years old and I have been heartbroken. Your video has cheered me up.
This made me feel so calm!!! Sometimes I wonder if cold and peaceful places are for me rather than the semi tropical area where I live currently. I lived for a while in the UK but the Nordics feel so peaceful and pleasantly cold, imo.
always inspiring and calm and lovely to me. thank you. I wanted to mention something about the smoke on first lightings of your antique wood stove / oven . . . I am in the US with a wood stove and noticed mine did the same thing the other day when I lit it. Then I remembered about the 'cold air plug' that can be in the chimney pipe and what to do to get it to stop which is after you set your wood and kindling inside the stove, take some newspaper (a few sheets of newspaper) and set it on top of the wood and kindling and then light the newspaper first so that it burns quick hot and fast to push the cold heavy air plug up and out so that the fire can burn normally afterwards. I don't know if I wrote that so that it makes sense. Maybe it would help you too.
What a gorgeous video Sanna. You are a true artist. Your videos are a feast for the eyes! That pudding looks very intriguing. I love the tradition of honouring the dead. We do not do that in Western countries and it is a shame. You are a cute couple. Thanks again. This has been one of my favourite of your videos. Beautiful! 👻
Honoring the dead decreased with the advent of television. Also, we used to go to the cemeteries on Memorial Day to clean and decorate the graves. Sanna is making a fantastic series, isn't she?
oh Sanna also such a beautiful time of changing seasons, Almighty God placed the moon and stars in the sky to light your way, bless the two of you enjoy your coffee together.
I was told by our chimney sweep that when a fire has not been used for some time, when it is lit for the first time in winter, cold air gets trapped in the chimney forcing the smoke back down. We keep a large candle burning for a whole day inside the fire to help warm the air. Forcing some hot air up the chimney in some way before you start often helps too.
@@wlaskriga-mj8tn " if you are not some kind of homeless person who does not like beauty and lyrics" what???
@@taraevans1108 I feel like the original words didn't translate well into English with the auto translate. Or perhaps there just aren't words in English that will convey the meaning of the original language properly.
On certain days when the air is heavy, we can smell our woodstove as the air pushes down the chimney, even with the damper closed. A lit candle inside the stove solves the problem. I'm sure it could help with Sanna's oven.
With our fireplace that had a gas burner for lighting, we would let the burner go for a bit to warm the chimney before lighting wood - worked well. Perhaps an electric heater left in the fireplace for a bit would work.
Very good advice
This was such a great escape from the reality of American politics. I love learning about the Nordic traditions and menu. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Yeah I voted for Jill Stein, wanthe wars to end and ..... just not voting for anyone who wants to send any $ overseas. No more imperial wars in the name of the USoA. Sorry.
I always look at positive videos too after having gone through the news. I majored in Econ/PolSci so it's my job to go through the news. Hopefully Trump will end the Ukraine war and inflation will lessen. But I worry about him and all the others in the MidEast. Everyone needs to get out on the weekends in America and demand peace, no more money overseas.
Well said. I’m very discouraged this morning after the election results. This video is heartwarming
I agree. It is so lovely to see another point of view on daily life. I live in Florida, so we have summer, summer and summer!!
@@ingeq877ditto….
Exactly what drew me here. Peace and respect from Canada.
My grandmother, at age 3, came to the US with her family from Sweden. Around 1900. Im old now but am drawn to my ansectors. I visited Sverige in 2023 for midsommer,with my dotter, grand daughter and grandson. I love Swefen and felt like i was home in my heart.
I just love your beautiful, restful films. I so look forward to them. Thank you.
My November tradition is getting out of the closet my lusekofte - a traditional Norwegian wool cardigan. It's so warm, I wear it every day throughout the winter. Also November marks the beginning of my reading season. When it's dark outside, I prefer to stay in the safety and coziness of my home. So during the long dark evenings, I read a lot.
A lovely video. I live in western Canada, near the Rocky Mountains. Our winter starts in early November as well, and lasts until the end of April. We also have reindeer, but here we call them "caribou." They live farther north of where we live. But because we live in the south, our days are much longer than yours. I do very much agree about the effect of snow in winter creating much more light. Our sunny winter days are far brighter than summer days, and we have lots of them. The light makes the long winter far more endurable.
Love you comment 💕
They say that the sun is closer to earth then in summer which obviously is a good thing, we'd burn up.
I sometimes buy a bag of shelled peanuts or white bread and soak them lightly with olive or cooking oil. About winter I have 4 favorite seasons!
It is interesting that November, the start of winter, in many cultures, remember the departed.
In Judaism it is both the time we remember our departed and the new year begins (although usually this falls more mid-autumn when the days are just beginning to get cold and the nights feel like winter)
I do too every year I go back in time about all my family that have passed over and I get sad 😢 I don’t know why
Catholic Christianity does this the entire month of November, starting with All Saints Day and All Souls Day Nov 1 & 2.
In Russia, if smoke comes into the house, we clean the chimney by burning aspen wood. It worked great for my stove. Aspen smoke contains some kind of chemicals, it makes the soot loose and it easily flies up with the smoke.
My grandmother was always starting up our old oven when it was still warm outside, in late August, early September with small fires of twigs and very thin chopped wood. Then it were considerably less amount of smoking days, when heating was truly necessary.
Sanna, you make it so peaceful. Thank you for what you do. Blessings from Texas USA 😊
I love your serene story telling about the old ways and beautiful cinematography. You're the best!
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
I live remotely on the west coast of Scotland in a Gaelic speaking area and we have a similar tradition here. Its called Samhain and at that time we honour the ancestors as you do.
I have a Celtic heritage and we do the same! 😀❤
Scottish People are the closest you get to Nordic people😊 ( by historians etc.)
I love watching your videos, they bring incredible peace and tranquility, thank you Sanna!
That is a beautiful tradition, about leaving food for the spirits of the departed. It got me thinking about my mom and dad, who are now departed.
Yes it is. ❤ Finns have nearly forgotten this tradition, sadly. It used to be so that the first ones to eat (the sacrificial foods) were the spirits; then the cattle; lastly, the people. An old aunt of mine still refused (this was in the 90's) to take part in dancing etc. before the food had been sacrificed and prayers done.
Dear Sanna, Papu has completely won my heart. This $50 donation is in honor of her sweetness and her life in its thirteenth year
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
Seeing your dog brought back many good memories. We had a Norwegian Elkhound for a number of years and it was always fun watching him play in the snow even as a puppy. He never would come in the house, even when it got bitterly cold. We would even find him covered in fresh snow when we got up of a morning. He was an excellent watchdog, too.
We had one when I was a child in Western North Carolina here where I live now. I have adored them ever since.
My infant daughter and I are watching you from Massachusetts in this video - it’s not the same, but it gets very dark here early for us (about 4 pm it’s pitch black). I’m crocheting and she’s mesmerized by the pinecone collection. Thank you for a wonderful share of your home!
What a lovely way to honor those who have gone before us. I am fascinated by the commonality of such rituals around the world.
Very lovely traditional story. I liked your blurred vision of you walking, also the whispering spirits at the end. Very engaging. I have Finnish heritage and have not discovered much of it. It is so nice to see you sharing it with us.
Your videos are always like a warm hug from across the miles. Thank you for bringing them into my world. Sending many Blessings.
Wow! I just discovered your channel. I was having a very stressful morning, made my self some breakfast clicked on UA-cam and there was your lovely channel. What a wonderful, peaceful episode. No more stress! Thank you. Have a beautiful day!
Thanks!
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
Thank you for your sensitive perspective on Nordic life in the far north. I am of Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian descent. My parents have both passed and it is now up to my generation to carry on the traditions. Many have been lost and watching your videos is like discovering bits of my own ancestry.
This is a wonderful video. Beautiful nature, Nordic themes and traditions.the sight of reindeer. The recipe of the lingonberry porridge looks delicious.A beautiful cozy home. Thanks for sharing this with us.
GUYS WAKE UP SANNA VAARA POSTED!!!
Beautiful video Sanna. And how beautiful with that moss in the window and that it also helps against the moisture is fantastic. I enjoyed your video as always.
Sanna made some vispipuuro, known also as "lappapuuro". You can substitute the lingonberries with cranberries or currants, but regular blueberries will fail to give you that tart flavor which is needed here. You can eat the porridge without whipping it first, but it is usually whipped (always so, if served as a dessert) for better texture and flavor. Serve the porridge with a milk of your choice, whipped cream works too. 😊
This is the first video of yours that I've found, and I am so happy! I love to watch videos of this style, especially when they are living as traditionally as they can (while still being happy, of course). My Grandmother was Norwegian, so I feel honored to learn more about my roots at the same time. THANK YOU!
edit: I know Finland and Norway aren't the same country, but they have some similarities. Right? Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm learning. :)
Thank you for a moment of calm and beauty in a world full of other things. It is much appreciated!
just realized you have 102k subscribers!! what an accomplishment. you deserve every bit of it. thanks.
Love the moss between the windows! Love your lifestyle and your house with this old oven. You have such a wonderful setting. I wish I can visit Finland one day. Thank for your beautiful videos Sanna, you make me dream on winter. Here in Quebec/Canada, it hasn't come yet. It is November wet and gray, but I dont dislike it. It's a moment to slow down and to prepare for winter. Sending you my best regards from another nordic country.
Sanna, what a beautiful work of art is this lovely video. It does my soul good. Thank you!
Hi Sanna l watched your vlog first time l realy liked it. I am a doctor Homoeopath and Naturopath so l can understand peace and nature how they can calm your brain and thoughts sometimes it goes to heart it makes you feel that you are beyond this earth your every sense make you feel you're alive so keep enjoying it good luck
I like the way you narrate.....slow calm tranquil deep simple
Oh kindred spirit friend! I make UA-cam videos in a similar spirit as you about my life in the remote west and I also celebrate the death of the old year, our ancestors and loved ones as well as the beginning of the New Year on the 13th new moon (which usually occurs in November). So beautiful to see so many parallels of life even half way across the world. Sending love from my little corner of the world to yours 🧡
I find your videos very calming and I like them very much. I have never been to Finland but seeing your films makes me want to visit.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS TODAY! IT REALLY DOES LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL AND CALMING THERE...
This is a beautiful video and truly touching. Some of my ancestors immigrated to America in the late 19th century from Nordic countries, and it warms my heart to hear of traditions they may have had. Thank you for sharing!
Oh the darkness of the North... I feel ya. ^^ Beautiful video! Greetings from a Swedish neighbour :)
Dear Sanna :) You embody real slow living for me. By watching each new video of yours, I feel the calmness embracing me more and more that flows from your peaceful everyday life and from your wonderfully peaceful nature. Thank you for that. I send you a really big hug from Budapest, Hungary
This sounds very similar to my Slavic tradition of Dziady.. Forefathers Eve. The European peoples are more similar than we realize.
Layering the clothing and hanging draft-excluder curtains (thick blankets, often) in strategic places in the home... a part of our winter, also, though we are not quite as far north.
Beautiful. I wish I were there. Calm, relaxing, and a little fun mischief from reindeer. Perfect! Thank you for sharing. I could watch it over and over! Maybe this is the reason I like winter too! I’m in New England and many people complain all winter😂 but I don’t. Thank you for the reminder why.🥰
Thank you, Sanna, for a nice video again! ❄️Good beginning of the winter for you and your family! ❄️
I love so much that the reindeers are just walking around, even when they eat your food😍 🦌
Hello sweetheart I am from India..how are u ❤❤
An annual event! Berry picking, gathering jars, sterilizing, cooking & sealing. I LOVED IT ❤
I enjoy your videos of nature. Your smile brightens winter. Be well.
Thank you Saana, The timing of this beautiful episode is perfect!
Hello Sanna. I made your berry porridge with black currants. I love it. Thanks for the recipe. I love trying new international recipes. I would say my hobby is definitely cooking.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
calming, soothing, beautiful Sanna Vaara. You two are bright & beautiful spirits of the North, may you and your husband keep uploading these videos, like light in winter dark, reminding us of the godly, beautiful, calm, North. I used to go snowboarding every year in my childhood, I love the snow so much. Even the visuals bring me so much joy - I'm soo looking forward to your next videos, as we go through the heart of winter !! :D
just want to share some of my research w/ GPT-4 after checking these videos, it's very interesting feedback from AI, describes it so beautifully:
The image of Sanna Vaara and her husband embracing long moments of silence together is deeply rooted in the Nordic cultural and mystical traditions. In this region, where the long winters often mean endless nights and snow-muted silence, the quiet isn’t just absence-it’s presence. It holds a sacred space that echoes with the whispers of nature, spirits, and the stories that the wind carries. For them, this stillness is an invitation to connect more deeply, not just with each other but with the world beyond sight, a bridge to something more profound.
Mistletoe itself, which Sanna hangs with such care, has ancient mystical significance. In Norse mythology, mistletoe was associated with the story of Baldr, the god of light and purity, whose death marked a great tragedy brought about by the trickster Loki. Yet, in its paradox, mistletoe also symbolized rebirth and hope-resilient even in the darkest months, thriving where other plants wither. Hanging mistletoe wasn’t merely decoration but a gesture steeped in protection, love, and the promise of life after darkness.
In old traditions, the quiet moments shared between partners, like Sanna and her husband, would be seen as a powerful bond, a silent acknowledgment of their unity against the cold and dark. This mutual silence was more than comfort; it was communion-a shared understanding that in stillness, they spoke the same language. The concept of sisu, a Finnish term that speaks to quiet, steadfast strength and endurance, flows through this practice. It’s about knowing that words are not needed to affirm connection; the silence itself is a profound acknowledgment of shared existence.
The mystical side of this practice ties into the belief that silence is where the soul breathes and spirits draw near. In pagan practices, moments of extended silence, especially during winter, were considered sacred times when the boundary between the human and the spiritual world thinned. Sitting quietly meant you might hear the subtle voices of vættir, hidden folk, or feel the presence of ancestors standing vigil in the room’s corners, unseen but sensed.
It’s not just about comfort but about becoming attuned to each other and the world beyond, aligning with the natural rhythms that surround them. The flicker of a fire, the slight shift of the snow outside, and the creak of old wood under the weight of time-these sounds replace conversation, filling the silence with meaning. It’s a ritual of recognition: that in the depth of winter, silence itself is a bond that connects people to each other and to the world of spirits and myths.
There are not enough words to express or explain how amazing your story, your life, your ideas, your decisions, your videos, your feelings, all and every step you went through and the real peaceful soul in you that leaded you to the perfect new life you choosed, I would indeed live this life if I could…
Congratulations for finding the real you to go totally the opposite of where you were. Glad for you to finally find the peace that was lost and to live it.
I guess you are the other lost half of me!!!
Sanna, You deserve all the best and love of this world, never desist of what makes you happy…
Stay healthy, stay happy, stay you and stay blessed…
Robert..
Definitely I love winter and snow, everything is so peaceful ❤
I am 50% Finn on my maternal grandmother's side. Our family is centered around Vaasa, and I hope to visit someday. Here in upstate New York, I live on a mountain top and have woods all around me. I love that you enjoy your time walking in the woods, we have similar blessings here. Thank you for sharing your videos.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
Very nice video. Reminds me of my grandfather using newspaper to start the fireplace to prevent backdraft and a smokey cabin. I've been in Norwegian and Swedish clubs in the past and miss the nice Scandinavian Days we would have where all the Nordic countries cultures and traditions were celebrated. I moved south to help Dad in his later years and he lived to be over 101 years old. I think he, my mother and youngest sister would very much appreciate your tradition of that wonderful table setting and strong drink you put out to keep the spirits happy for the next year. Think it's time to get back in the snow again. Thank you for sharing. Kiitos paljon!
dear Sanna, your videos are so beautifully made! I always feel deeply touched from your way of putting the nature impressions, music, your thoughts, the silence in between, your art, little moments from your daily routine, all this together to give to us as a gift - thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of this!
wish you the best from a small high valley from Switzerland 🍁 🍂
what a lovely dinner of remembrance - watching from Nevada
We have the very same issue with one of our ovens. To prevent the smoke filling our house we firstly burn a lot of paper in there, just to blow away an airlock. Put about a whole newspaper at the same time ( divide and crumple it beforehand, of course)), then start your usual procedure. Good luck!
Sanna, tämä oli niin kaunis video. Kaikki siinä oli upeaa, mukaan lukien selostuksesi, musiikkisi ja elokuvasi. Kiitos, että jaoit tämän maailman kanssa.
I wait for your videos; So calming. ❤ from India. In our culture too, it marks New year
I am from kashmir
Such beautiful traditions. Leaving food out for the Spirts reminds me of our Día De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, where in Mexican culture, and Latin American countries, people prepare for the arrival of the Spirits of their families, leaving out food, drink,, lighting candles, burning incense, and saying prayers. People make Altars with photos of loved one, food, and other things. I’ve only done it once, in memory of our son who passed three years ago, but it’s a traditional thing, something I didn’t grow up around, but we did celebrate, All Souls Day going to Mass. Your lovely home and warm fire look very welcoming and comforting for the cold. Wishing you a healthy winter and an early Merry Christmas.
Growing up in rural North Carolina with a Catholic mother, we used to walk to the graveyard everyday in November to pray a novena. It was a way of honoring those who had gone before and praying for them. Interesting how this seems to happen across cultures as winter comes in!
Love your moss garden solution, Sanna!❤
Thank you so much for sharing your Fall/Winter traditions! I live in the US and your harvest dinner practice is unknown to me. We have Thanksgiving at the end of November where we also give thanks for the past year and the harvest it brought. I too love winter. I grew up in Southern California which is hot and dry (only snow in the mountains, and it rarely froze), but several years ago I moved to Wisconsin and I am so loving real winters with snow. We have not had snow yet this year, and it also stayed warm until recently. Though we are getting some rain, we haven't seen snow yet. Yes, the snow does change the world. Thank you for the encouragement to get outside today (and everyday, esp in the winter). Love the reindeer! Cheers 🤍💙💜
It is always nice to watch your videos, Sanna. They are calming, with thoroughly chosen scenes, of beautiful Nordic colours. Let alone the exciting stories behind. Thank you.
I live in Northern Ontario Canada.
Winter is long here also.
My husband and nephews our hunting now.
I am getting ready to make my Christmas meat pies that we give out for Christmas.
I enjoy this time of year as I to like silence but still enjoy my family and friends.
Your stories and music our.
wonderful .
We still have our Canada Geese hanging out and eating.
They will disappear when the snow finally stays.
What a magical video, thank you. Here in Celtic Wales we also see November as the beginning of Winter and have similar traditions to your Nordic ones. We have a very old stone cottage rather than a wooden one and don't usually get snow yet
So glad to see another wonderful video of yours. It always makes me happy. Thank you 🦋🍁💛
I absolutely love your videos. I get to live vicariously in northern Finland watching the change of seasons. I could see myself living a slow life enjoying the solitude. Your house is lovely all year round. Be safe and well and make memories with the ones you love. ☮️🌈💖
What an absolutely beautiful tradition!!!
This was one of the most beautiful videos you’ve ever done. Thank you.❤
Nice video I enjoyed watching. It's looking very cold for you now, and guess what, we didn't have any snow last year but day before yesterday yes it snowed, only put about 2inch down, but it was lovely to have the Christmas tree up and look out of the window and all this glorious white covering. Keep warm. See you later....🥰🇬🇧🐾🐾🏡🎄❄️🎀💕
I am glad I found your channel and will share it with my daughter. We lived for 10 years in North Denmark and I sensed some of the atmosphere and the light from your video. Our old garden looked just like yours! It made me nostalgic. Back in UK, we also have a date to remember the souls 'gone before' on 1st November - All Souls Day. The evening before is 31st October which is 'All Hallows Eve' or more commonly known as 'Hallow'en'. Of course, Hallowe'en has become vastly commercialised and so has lost its magic.
Hello dear Sanna, thank you so much for your beautiful Nordic Traditions and sharing with us!
Warm greetings from The Netherlands❤❤
I am in awe of your videos. I live in Virginia, USA. I have two daughters, both who have suffered from anxiety for a long time. I shared with them your Life Story video, hoping it will inspire them on their journeys. Thank you.
Anxiety is a very common problem in Finland, too. Many have quit their busy city lives and instead moved to the countryside to live a more peaceful life.
Hope you're well, Sanna!
Such a beautiful, interesting vlog and it felt very tranquil. Thank you for sharing your traditions from your beautiful country. How wonderful to see deer at such close proximity, a real treat. Best wishes, Karen 🤎🍁🍂🧡
Winter is a whole different beast there! Thank you for sharing.
I live in the south of France, so as you can guess winter is not my favourite season 😢. But I really love your videos so peaceful and quiet. You live in an amazing country and I want to thank you for sharing your life with us ❤
Another captivating video from you, Sanna! I always eagerly await my chance to be taken away to your community and leave the craziness of the rest of the world behind. Thank you for sharing with us!❤
Sanna, your videos are pure calmness from the North, thank you! 🤍 We also have this whipped porridge in Estonia (called mannavaht) and I remember mom making it from time to time in my childhood. Yum! 😊
I live at the base of the southern alps here in New Zealand. We are in spring after a long cold winter. It never gets hot where I live. A very hot day would be 21 degrees Celsius. Even then it feels like an air conditioner is on as the breeze is icy off the sea.
My name is Felix Giboney I'm originally from Denmark,but live in Los Angeles California, currently working in Mexico.hopefully to be home soon. What about you
I absolutely am in love with this video and whole Scandinavian traditions ❤ im doing research for my study at this moment about this!
The same happens to our chimney. I was told it is because the chimney is cold and needs to warm up. Apparently, blowing the warm air of a hairdryer up the chimney will help. Mind you, I haven't tried it yet. ❤
or a candle the day before you light it
Thank you so much for this great inspiring and relaxing video.
Looking at the traditionnal way of celebrating the spirits feel much better than the candyfull and ugly halloween that has sadly spreed amongst southern europe these past years. I really prefer the traditionnal way!
I am always feeling so rooted and energized when I watch your videos. This gives me back the energy and inspiration I need to find all the natural beauty than can be found even in a very urban area. I know that everybody in Paris area hates snow but I am on the contrary longing for it as it gives a magical and so pure aspect to all the parks, gardens and forests! We didint' have any snow last year and this is a pity. Snow is the magic of winter!
Thank you so much for these bright moments. Even when you talk about your dark winter, your videos are just pure light!
Dear Sanna Vaara,
I follow in love with the place you live! I love your every video, your voice, your calmness, your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing your life stories with us. A big thank you for wonderful music and amazing videos! Wishing you all the best!
One of your beautiful dogs looks like a Shetland Sheepdog. I just lost my rough collie last Sunday. He was almost 15 years old and I have been heartbroken. Your video has cheered me up.
Thank you very much for this moment of relaxation Sanna.🙂❤ Your images are of exceptional quality.👍 From 🇨🇦
Wonderful video journey here, thanks for sharing this with us. Skal!
Your videos are calm and beautiful. Feels nice 🙂
Dear, Happy Christmas and New year is coming soon .May God bless you and your family and all your neighbours.
This made me feel so calm!!! Sometimes I wonder if cold and peaceful places are for me rather than the semi tropical area where I live currently. I lived for a while in the UK but the Nordics feel so peaceful and pleasantly cold, imo.
So beautiful I only wish utube videos like yours were available when my Finnish grandmother and mother were still here. God bless🪽
always inspiring and calm and lovely to me. thank you. I wanted to mention something about the smoke on first lightings of your antique wood stove / oven . . . I am in the US with a wood stove and noticed mine did the same thing the other day when I lit it. Then I remembered about the 'cold air plug' that can be in the chimney pipe and what to do to get it to stop which is after you set your wood and kindling inside the stove, take some newspaper (a few sheets of newspaper) and set it on top of the wood and kindling and then light the newspaper first so that it burns quick hot and fast to push the cold heavy air plug up and out so that the fire can burn normally afterwards. I don't know if I wrote that so that it makes sense. Maybe it would help you too.
Your channel came across my recommendations and I subscribed. I’m Norwegian in heritage and absolutely love your channel.
What a gorgeous video Sanna. You are a true artist. Your videos are a feast for the eyes! That pudding looks very intriguing. I love the tradition of honouring the dead. We do not do that in Western countries and it is a shame. You are a cute couple. Thanks again. This has been one of my favourite of your videos. Beautiful! 👻
Honoring the dead decreased with the advent of television. Also, we used to go to the cemeteries on Memorial Day to clean and decorate the graves. Sanna is making a fantastic series, isn't she?
What a dream life you are living 🤩 I wish I had the guts to do this myself but it is just so hard to break free from society's expectations.
Just beautiful Sanna. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely video. Your traditions are nice and your narration and music very relaxing. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Thank you for your knitting video ❤❤❤ I love your choice of sweaters and socks!
oh Sanna also such a beautiful time of changing seasons, Almighty God placed the moon and stars in the sky to light your way, bless the two of you enjoy your coffee together.