I wish I could report that all is well here but the truth is that little "o" and I have been very sick with the flu over the weekend. We've been lying flat on our backs feeling miserable. Today I can tell you that we seem to be moving a little better and still hoping that the lilt in our step comes back soon.  This evening I plan on getting all caught up with my blog visting. Know that I've been missing all of you very much and look forward to reconnecting.

Last year I saw this Finnish movie about the "true" story of Santa. It is such a heart warming, wholesome story. Absent is all of the commercialism that really plagues this time of year. Instead, is a story steeped in folkloric roots. This weekend the mailman brought me the english dubbed version. It is really well done.  

  There is something distinctly magical about this time of year. Candles and fires are lit, strings of lites are strung on trees and houses, but most of all it is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Something not to be missed is Juha Wuolijoki's Joulutarina/Christmas story. It is a touching story of how Santa Claus came to be Santa.

    Hundreds of years ago the world's greatest story was born…….

In a remote village in Lapland, young Nikolas loses his family in an accident. The villagers decide to look after the orphaned boy together.  Each family will take care of Nikolas for one year. At the end of each year, on christmas day, Nikolas has to move to a new home. To show his gratitude to the villagers, Nikolas decides to make toys for the children of the families as goodbye presents.  Over the years, Nikolas's former adoptive families become many, and soon almost every house has presents on its doorstep on Christmas morning.

When the village suffers a food shortage, the villagers have to send Nikolas to work as an apprentice for the hermit carpenter, Iisakki.  Under the cruel tutelage of Iisakki Nikolas develops skills that enable him to create even better presents, and to work even faster. The child-hating Iisakki, however, forbids Nikolas from making presents. The Christmas present tradition is in danger of coming to an end.

This movie was a sensation in Finland in 2007. Now it is being released internationally. It is a fantastic movie to share with the family. With stunning photography, music, and enchantment. I feel like making every gift I'm giving this year.Oh…I am making every gift I'm giving this year. ;) Have a look at the movie clip and enjoy.