By the time you read this, we have reached Christmas Day 2016 and we have celebrated Christmas with Peter's niece on Blidö in the Stockholm archipelago. We'll tell you about that later! First we have to tell you about a slightly early Christmas celebration, the day before Christmas Eve, and two very unexpected Christmas presents.
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ShareChristmas market in the old town
Peter's son Robin and his wife Alexandra were celebrating Christmas Eve with Alexandra's mother, so they invited us along with some other close family members on the evening of 23 December. In addition, Alexandra's cousin from New Zealand (currently studying theatre in London) was able to join us. A very nice evening, which we started with a Christmas market in the Old Town.
As you may know, we have visited a whole bunch of Christmas markets this year, including in Prague, Zagreb and Warsaw. So how did the Stockholm Christmas market compare to these? Well, we can say that it is extremely small, but still quite cosy.
Some other tangible differences are that here in Sweden, tombola seems to be popular, the Christmas decorations feel very "Nordic and homespun" and the mulled wine is non-alcoholic. And seriously, couldn't they have decorated the big tree? little in any case ...?
Christmas celebrations and unexpected gifts
Back at Robin and Alexandra's, we were treated to a really luxurious and tasty picking table with a Christmas feeling. Then it was time for Christmas gift distribution. Peter and I probably try to push the development towards "it is enough to buy Christmas presents to the children', but our caring family can't help but to buy Christmas caps, haha.
Robin's mum Jeanette gave us a nice bottle of champagne and Robin and Alexandra gave us ... tickets to Armin van Buuren's sold-out concert in Amsterdam in May, to experience with them. We are ... speechless! Big THANK YOU!
But, we actually got another Christmas present! If you've been following our blog for the past few days, you'll know that we bought a 360 camera from Nikon and then were super disappointed when it didn't work with our mobile phones. But what happened?
Well, the day before Christmas Eve, Nikon called up (first the product manager and then the marketing manager!) and apologised for handling this in a bad way. They want to improve and have invited us next year to listen to our views. That actually feels really good! Peter will come back in the future and tell us more.
How has your Christmas been so far?
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Lennart says:
Quite pleasant to be in Spain at Christmas.
Good food without stress!
25 December 2016 - 7:16
Ditte says:
So good that Nikon "made a poodle" and apologised, but I will not now buy that camera.
It's a shame that you have to fight to get the people at Nikom to realise that customers are important.
What a wonderful Christmas present! Wow! Concert in Amsterdam.
And cosy to see everyone and good food, good drink and friends is often a winning concept.
We do not give each other Christmas presents, but I got the trip here to Thailand in business class and it was a wonderful surprise and at the risk of me not wanting to fly anything else on long flights from now on.
Still doing well and enjoying not having a watch or anything planned. A lot happens anyway.
Wishing you a happy holiday season.
25 December 2016 - 7:19
Lena - good for the soul says:
What a cosy time you seem to have had and what fun that everyone can hang out like that! And what Christmas presents! It will be exciting to hear the continuation of the Nikon story!
Hug Lena
25 December 2016 - 8:25
Eva - Peopleinthestreet.se says:
What a great Christmas present! I am keen to return to Amsterdam, I was there in 1990 when I travelled by train.
Have a Merry Christmas!
25 December 2016 - 8:49
Ninny says:
Christmas presents are fun! We always think that "this year we do not buy so much" ... but then there are many anyway, it is fun to give! Our gifts are still under the tree, because only today do the children and grandchildren all come here and Santa Claus too; ).
We celebrated a peaceful Christmas Eve yesterday at my parents' house, with my siblings and my niece. (Today will be a bit more fast-paced...!).
Merry Christmas!!!
25 December 2016 - 8:56
Husis blog says:
What a wonderful weekend you seem to have had, to spend time with your loved ones in this way is so wonderful!
It's exciting to hear how things are going with Nikon and how they will continue to handle the case. Something the owners are wondering, how would they have handled this case if you had not mentioned it in your big blog? How would the impact have been towards Nikon then? Answers that do not come up but that the owners find interesting to discuss sometimes.
Last but certainly not least, the owners and I wish you all the best for the future and thank you for sharing so many interesting blog posts with us!
25 December 2016 - 9:24
Mr Steve says:
For many families, the idea of just buying Christmas presents for the kids is difficult to realise. And what does it matter, you never get too old to enjoy surprise Christmas presents. That was a delicious Christmas table you were treated to.
So good that Nikon has come to its senses. It can probably be really good in the end.
25 December 2016 - 9:26
admin says:
Lennart, it sounds like you are doing well! Wishing you a really nice Christmas!
Ditte, yes it is good that they have apologised! It is possible that the camera itself is good, but it does NOT work with an iPhone 4s. It's supposed to work with newer phones, but we can't answer how it really works. What a nice gift with the business class trip! It looked really comfortable! If I could afford it, I would love to fly like that on long trips 🙂.
Lena, we'll get back to you on the Nikon story! Right now it was just nice to have an apology, so you could relax and be less angry before Christmas 😉.
Ninnie, we wish you a very nice Christmas celebration today with family and presents!!!
Husisblog, a great point your owners bring up! We have discussed this quite a bit actually. It is definitely the case that our blog played a role here. Of course, you want a company to listen to and respond to all customers in a good way. On this occasion, we were initially treated badly, but by finally getting our criticism across, we now have the opportunity to express our views, which we hope will benefit all customers, whether they have a blog or not! For example, we think the company needs to be clearer in its labelling. If the camera doesn't work with all mobiles, it should be stated on the website and on the packaging! You can't just expect all customers to have the latest phone... And when an app is used to control the whole thing, then you have to get support if you can't get it to work! Wishing you a nice Christmas holiday!
Steve, even big companies have to listen to their customers!!!
25 December 2016 - 9:50
Comsi Comsa says:
Keep up the good work! ?
Hugs ❤
25 December 2016 - 10:14
Ulla Widing says:
What a great Christmas table...can't wait to hear about the concert in Holland later this spring!
Good luck!
25 December 2016 - 10:56
Solan says:
Good Freedom, if you have many followers, you have power. And you should use it at the right time. As in the Nikon case.
Well and have a continued happy weekend... We'll be wheeling among lemon orchards & Christmas crackers 🙂 ).
25 December 2016 - 11:15
pilla says:
Sounds like a cosy Christmas and good on Nikon. Cred to them. My Christmas has been good, hanging out with the family and training.
25 December 2016 - 12:02
Malin says:
Merry Christmas!
25 December 2016 - 12:28
Anita MAlta says:
What a nice and exciting Christmas you have and who knows what the rest of the holidays have to offer 🙂 Absolutely right but perhaps a little unexpected that Nikon called, both product manager and marketing manager, you are worth it considering the expectations of the new camera.
As you probably know, everything related to Christmas this year has been left behind. We are mucking around here in Kuching and the new apartment and having a great time. The only thing I wish is that I had more time to check in and comment with you both and many others that I appreciate, but I will have to make up for it when we are back home in Malta in just over a month. Have a really nice continued week and take care of each other, although I know you do 🙂 Hugs / Anita.
25 December 2016 - 12:28
steel city anna says:
What a nice Christmas table! Looks very modern. Merry Christmas from Sheffield!
25 December 2016 - 12:32
BP says:
I think the Christmas market in the Old Town is deplorable, not worthy of a capital city.
The Christmas table - just the right amount of everything!
Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities. That city has IT. Oh so much fun with a concert too - WOW. Already looking forward to your reporting.
Good with Nikon's reaction. They say that a blog equals power. That's actually true. It's a shame that pressure from social media is needed, but if it results in any change for the better in the future, it's well worth the effort!
25 December 2016 - 13:32
admin says:
Comsi Comsa, thank you very much!
Ulla Widing, yes it will be exciting! And thank you the same!
Solan, well actually it shouldn't be necessary, but social media has a kind of consumer power that can be good! Wishing you a continued nice Christmas and pleasant roll!
Pilla, it sounds like a cosy Christmas! Keep up the good work!
Malin, thank you!
Anita Malta, nice to hear from you and good to hear that you are doing well! Do not have a bad conscience! You should read blogs when you have time and desire! Keep up the good work!
Steel city Anna, yes it was a bit more modern Christmas food with some southern European influences 😉.
BP, glad you like Amsterdam! I've been there, but only on a short business trip. And we think exactly like you about the Nikon story. It shouldn't be necessary, but still good if consumer power can lead to positive changes!
25 December 2016 - 13:57
Role o Carina says:
Sorry about cameras that don't work!
Here, Christmas has been quiet due to illnesses 🙂 🙂.
Have a good time and enjoy .... Keep up the good work!
25 December 2016 - 14:14
Ika's USA says:
Looks fantastic! Now I got hungry again :) Wishing you a really good continuation!
25 December 2016 - 16:13
Emma, sun like sun? says:
Christmas has been like Christmas always is: stress and anti-climax. You fix and tinker so that on Christmas Eve you're pretty tired when it's time to sit down at the table. And the kids are tired because the Christmas gift nerves are starting to take their toll.
But otherwise it has been good with good food and nice company!
25 December 2016 - 16:51
Snows says:
It costs so little to maintain a good reputation and satisfied customers. I'm on my fourth Nikon, but I've come to expect a professional response if something goes wrong.
Keep up the good work
25 December 2016 - 17:03
Diana's dreams says:
What a cosy celebration hug Diana
25 December 2016 - 17:16
admin says:
Rolle and Carina, illness does not sound fun ... We hope for a quick recovery!!!!
Emma, hmm, it sounds almost a little hard, but certainly something that many can recognise! Hope you find some peace in the days after Christmas!
Znogge, I also have a Nikon and have always been satisfied. This time we were disappointed by the lack of information and bad behaviour, but we hope that Nikon can show a new side now!
Diana's dreams, we had a great time 🙂 .
25 December 2016 - 20:53
Deciree says:
Then I can say it again:)) You have great boys ... now they show it by inviting you to a gig that they know you will be happy with. What a nice Christmas present:)) I think you will have a lot of fun there. Nice to be able to socialise all at Christmas time too, especially:)).
25 December 2016 - 21:49
The travel dream says:
Glad that managers at Nikon got in touch. It will be interesting to follow the development with the future meeting with them. If you get a new camera or money back or if they can help you get the camera working.
26 December 2016 - 16:47
Elisabeth says:
Cosy celebrations and picnic food is a great way to socialise. What Christmas presents you got!!!
26 December 2016 - 23:22