Christmas means slightly different things to everyone. Someone may celebrate a festive season, while another may calm down. For others, Christmas is about meeting a lot of friends and relatives, someone finally finds the peace and quiet they long for. Christmas is also the season for giving. Giving makes all of us feel good.

Christmas is a good time to reflect the past year, the events and both fulfilled and unfulfilled wishes. It is also an opportunity to be mindful, and to be totally present. Every year you don't have to aim for spiritual growth, improving your life management or becoming a better person. Instead, searching and finding your true self is worthwhile every day of the year.

Gratitude goes a long way.

My laptop goes off now and the sounds of typing stop for a moment. The author goes on an adventure to her kitchen to bake some puff pastry with plum jam (though my favorite is apple-cinnamon jam!) and have a mug of redcurrant mulled wine.

I take this opportunity to thank you my reader! It's been so nice to notice that someone on the other side of the screen has found my outdoor blog and read my stories. Some have also returned. I want you to know that every page load and comment and like on my Instagram account really warms my heart. Thank you so much!

Coming up soon

My trail running season will probably continue soon, a couple of days after Boxing Day, and I can't stay away from the computer for very long either. Except if the weather is good and I go on an outdoor trip.

Once I’ve survived the Christmas delicacies, I’ll write about e.g. the following:

• What gear do you need for a snowshoe hike: packing list
• My sports year 2022 in a nutshell (challenging year)
• Sweden: hiking in the Tarfala and Cievrraláhku area
• Finland: winter routes from Kiilopää and Pyhä
• Norway: Amazing Besseggen hike in Jotunheimen
• About trail running and iron deficiency
• DIY easy merino wool shirt for outdoors
• Thoughts on light weight backpacking

And much more and new plans for next year's adventures!

If you would like to hear more about a certain topic, please give a tip either through the comment box or send an email directly to aino@inthewoodsdear.fi!

If you haven't had time to read my longer adventure stories, take a look:

• My first winter hike with snowshoes in Syöte National Park
• An unforgettable hike at the end of August in Sarek National Park
• Hiking to Halti in Finland
• Running through Kaldoaivi wilderness from Sevettijärvi to Pulmanki
• A beautiful autumn hike in Kevo
• Kebnekaise hike in Sweden

I wish you and your loved ones joy, moments of happiness and a wonderful Christmas!