The holidays bring seven Scandinavian houseguests
I have seven people staying with us this winter, over a total of six weeks. I might be crazy, but I’m excited about it!
For three years, we’ve had our usual snowbirds come from Sweden to stay for six or seven weeks. It’s our ex-nanny, Christian, and his girlfriend, Yuki.

Christian lived with us for four years and lived in Hawaii for decades, so hosting them is easy. They are self-sufficient housemates. We think of them as family.
The second set of guests is a Danish family of five. It’s Claus’ BFF from high school, Svend, his wife, and three kids around Olivia’s age. She’s excited for the company, though I am not sure how fluent the kids’ English is.
The Danes will be here for eight days, and during the time the Swedes are here. I find a little humor in the situation because, they tell me, Scandinavians today societally bicker like siblings. There’s history: There were 11 Dano-Swedish wars between 1521 and 1814.

Not that this group will be quarrelsome, but the thought gives me a chuckle. What will be more interesting is the bedding and space situation in my very average, middle class dwelling. Here go the holidays!