Holiday Play with Mathilde Gislinge
From letters from elves to nostalgic Christmas shows, discover how Mathilde Gislinge and her family cherish and celebrate the holiday season. We asked Mathilde to capture a holiday play session and share some of her favorite traditions, showing how she brings the magic of the season to life.
What does the holiday season mean to you?
Christmas has changed significantly for me since I became a parent. It has become so much more magical, with traditions like advent calendars, holiday baking and festive decorations taking on a whole new level.
Christmas should be magical for children, filled with a sense of wonder and enchantment - even if it means a little ekstra effort from us as parents.
How do you make everyday life during the holidays more magical or playful?
In the lead-up to December, we talk about whether the Christmas elf might move in with us. Then I set up a little elf home with a tiny mailbox where a new letter for the kids appears each day. The letters can say anything from “have a great day” to “thank you for the rice pudding” or give clues about hidden gifts somewhere in the house for them to find.
We also write letters to Santa, watch Christmas shows together and embrace the season with extra sweet treats, cookies, pancakes and lots of Christmas dancing. I LOVE Christmas music.
Can you share a favorite family holiday activity?
I think the highlight must be watching the daily Christmas shows together on those dark early mornings, with candles lit. Feels truly magical. And there’s something incredibly nostalgic about it - especially when they air the classics from my own childhood. It brings back so many emotions and memories, and I hope to pass the magic on to my children. So far, they absolutely love it too.
What’s the most special part of celebrating the holidays with kids?
It’s defiantly the enchantment and the magic. Playing little tricks with them and watching them wholeheartedly believe in elves and Santa is pure joy. Seeing their excitement over the tiniest gifts, saying, “This is exactly what I asked Santa for!” - even if it’s a pack of My Little Pony band-aid, their excitement is absolutely priceless.
Do you have a Christmas memory or tradition from your own childhood that you cherish during this time of year?
Watching the Christmas shows together is definitely a tradition I’ve carried over from my own childhood. And last year, I tried baking Christmas cookies with them - like I used to do with my mom and big sister, a very clear and cherished memory — it didn’t quite go as smoothly as I imagined, far more chaotic, to be honest - but I’m definitely going to give it another shot this year.
Discover more of Mathilde’s home, family life, and playful moments by following her on Instagram here.
Photos by Mathilde Gislinge.
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