Central Stockholm on a frosty Friday night. Photo by Robert Corkery.

It took a while, but Stockholm has fully settled into winter over the last two weeks. Last night, it was -19 C. Yup, it is cold. But the snow puts such a blanket of quiet on the city. And the streets look like they were painted white. I like it.

For the first time in eight years, I will celebrate Thanksgiving in the US. I don’t remember the days before the holiday as being so nutty as what they are now. Since we arrived on Monday, I’ve seen non-stop commercials and news coverage for “black Friday” – the biggest shopping day of the year. To kick things off, many stores are opening at midnight on Thanksgiving and all of them are advertising huge sales. Apparently, people are camping out  so as to be first in the store for the best bargains. It’s insane. Living in Sweden, I’m just not used to this stuff anymore. I don’t think I want to be anywhere near a mall on Friday.

On the news, there has been non-stop coverage of “travel Wednesday” – the big day for everyone to be on the go to be where they to be for turkey day. And of course, I’ve seen endless recipes and menus for the thanksgiving meal. The food network has had chefs on call to answer questions.

Much like with passing a car crash, I don’t want to watch but find myself sneaking glances anyway.

Today would be a perfect day to be boating or at the beach. Anything around the water would make me happy.

It’s day four of move week. And I can’t tell you how much I want to be done with this whole process. I’m tired of it both physically and mentally. On top of it, the weather is gorgeous, sunny and hot. Being that it’s Stockholm, it probably won’t last. So I’m bracing myself for the very real possibility that by the time we’re done with the actual move on Sunday, it will be rainy and cold. OK, I’m done whining now. Back to the boxes.

The market at Hötorget, All photos by Robert Corkery.

Just now, I am in love with Stockholm. I am happy because it is almost Christmas, but more than that, I think the city is beautiful with all the snow and holiday happenings. Stores are packed, the streets are busy. The energy is great everywhere you go. Here are a few photos from around town.

Looking toward Stadhuset from Gamla Stan.

Even this statue at Mariatorget is cloaked in snow.

Christmas trees for sale on Södermalm.

One of the Christmas windows at the Pub store on Drottninggatan.

The streets are packed these days. From the main shopping street of Drottninggatan to the exclusive Biblioteksgatan to the more casual Götgatan, all the stores and streets are decorated. And everyone is out in the holiday rush, trying to find the best deals, the best gifts. I love the hustle and bustle, but also thought that Robert’s photo here was a quiet contrast to the chaos. Check out some more of his photos at: Robert’s blog.

The view looking toward Stadhuset during the Nobel Prize dinner and dance party.

The Nobel Prize dinner is in process at Stadhuset and I am watching all the pomp and circumstance of the ceremony. But since this is is the hottest ticket in town, Robert and I are watching it all on TV. It is a cloudy night, but the city is ablaze with light and the view out my window is indeed beautiful.