Living a Nordic Life with Fiona McKinna

 Step into the deep midwinter of the Old Norse world and discover what January meant to the Vikings. In this episode, we explore Yule’s lingering echoes, seasonal rituals, blóts, and the quiet endurance of winter. Learn how Norse families kept culture alive through storytelling, work, and community, and how gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyr shaped life during the coldest months. A reflective journey through Viking winter traditions, Norse mythology, and the Old Norse calendar, perfect for history lovers and mythology enthusiasts. 

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Romjul is that time between Christmas and New Year that might feel a little bit of a non-event.  Here in the Nordics it has a special place and is a beloved tradition.  The beauty of a Nordic romjul is that you can embrace it wherever you are in the world, just as we do here.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

 Christmas is a time for traditions — from family rituals to national customs — that connect us to our roots and bring warmth during the darkest season. In this episode, I share what Christmas looks like in my life in Norway, where Nordic winter landscapes, candlelight, snow, and festive gatherings set the scene.

Join me as I explore cherished family and Norwegian traditions, including pepperkaker (gingerbread) baking workshops, cosy Christmas parties, Norwegian Christmas markets filled with handmade gifts, Advent celebrations, and the excitement of the first snowfall and tobogganing. Blending my Norwegian and English family heritage, we create a unique holiday culture full of joy, togetherness, and simple seasonal magic.

Whether you’re curious about Christmas in Norway, looking for festive tradition ideas, or simply want to feel the warmth of Nordic holiday rituals, this episode is for you. Share your own family traditions or join the conversation in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

From stormy seas to streaming screens, Norse myths refuse to fade. The Eddas still shape Nordic identity—whispering of resilience, trickery, and hope. These aren’t relics of the past; they’re stories that live, adapt, and bind us across time.

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For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Self care is more than a few fluffy blankets, an indulgent lunch or an hour in a bubble bath.  It's a deep, sustainable and grown up commitment to our own mental and physical wellbeing.  But how does that look and can we even achieve it?

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

From London to the Mountains of Norway: Ben Ward swapped London life for a remote farm in the Norwegian mountains, and it hasn’t always been easy. In this episode, he opens up about the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges of living in such a remote place, the fame that followed his TV documentary, and the stories behind his life. Funny, honest, and full of adventure, Ben’s journey proves that chasing a simpler life is never quite as simple as it seems. 

You can find Ben here:

www.krokengard.no

Instagram

Facebook

Ben's new book - www.ark.no/kroken

NRK TV documentary - Der ingen skulle tru at nokon kunne bu - NRK TV

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we dive into the Norwegian word friluftsliv — “open-air living” — and how it shapes everyday life in the Nordics. More than just spending time outside, friluftsliv is a philosophy, a way of weaving the natural world into the rhythm of daily living.

I’ll share how discovering this single word shifted my perspective, teaching me to seek out fresh air and quiet moments no matter the season. From walks in the woods to simple pauses under the sky, friluftsliv became less about activity and more about presence, grounding, and joy.

NEW BOOK now available - 

UK - https://amzn.eu/d/dGEJ8OW

US - Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic: McKinna, Fiona: 9798858660064: Amazon.com: Books

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Join me, Fiona of Living a Nordic Life, as I share my simple and seasonal morning routine in my little corner of southern Norway.  No 5am runs or fresh yaks milk here!!!

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we wander into the quiet beauty of the Nordic outdoors — not with skis or hiking poles, but with a slower, gentler pace. Discover how Nordic culture embraces the art of simply being outside: sitting on a bench with a cup of coffee, watching the shifting skies, or savoring the scent of pine and sea air.

We’ll explore why “doing less” in nature can actually bring us more — more calm, more presence, and more connection to the world around us. Whether it’s lingering by the water’s edge or enjoying the long light of a summer evening, this is a reminder that the simplest moments often become the most meaningful.

NEW BOOK now available on Amazon - 
UK - Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic: Amazon.co.uk: McKinna, Fiona: 9798858660064: Books
USA - Friluftsliv: How to love the outdoors like you're Nordic: McKinna, Fiona: 9798858660064: Amazon.com: Books

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife

Step into the Nordic forest with me as we explore the story of lingonberries—Scandinavia’s tart red superberry. From ancient traditions and foraging tales to modern recipes and health benefits, this episode uncovers how lingonberries connect culture, nature, and flavour across the Nordic countries. 

Top tip:  For novice foragers eager to know what is growing beneath their boots before the fruit appears, taking a photo with a digital tool to identify berries and wild shrubs can clarify the exact species early in the season.

For more Nordic living, visit the Living a Nordic Life www.livinganordiclife.com
or join us in the Living a Nordic Life Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/livinganordiclife