The Process of Creating Christmas Products: Our Passion and Vision for "2025 Christmas Polar Night" #2

Christmas arrangements this year bring the Scandinavian dining table into your home just by placing them.

In our previous blog post, we introduced the concept for Christmas 2025. If you haven't read it yet, please do (To the previous article). This time, we will explain the journey to how the plan came to be, focusing on the questions: Why Scandinavia? Why Denmark?

The Beginning of "Polar Night"

Actually, we didn't decide on Denmark from the start.

The catalyst was &YOUKAEN's theme "Nordic Decoration," which has been ongoing since the year before last. When we considered how to incorporate "this year's Christmas" into it, we faced a certain challenge.

"There are too many events at the end of the year, and I can't keep up with the preparations!" – This feedback from customers became the starting point for our project.

Work, year-end parties, going home for the holidays, spring cleaning, family plans... December is truly a hectic season. That's why we aimed for Christmas items that are complete just by placing them.

Nordic design is characterized by its high interior aesthetic and designs that "blend into daily life." Its beauty, which creates a neat look just by decorating, was perfect as a theme to accompany the busy season. Furthermore, this year, we focused on Denmark within the Nordic region. The concept of "Hygge" rooted there perfectly aligned with our aspirations.

Hygge, a Warm Value

Hygge is a Danish word that means "cozy time" or "comfortable space." While it sounds gentle at first glance, it stems from the experience of overcoming long, harsh winters characterized by short daylight hours and deep darkness.

During the dark season, people spend more time indoors. Lighting a candle and chatting with family—cherishing such small joys is at the root of Hygge. We embraced this concept to create "a Christmas that brings comfort."

What to Deliver as Christmas Products

After deciding on Denmark as the setting, the next consideration was "where to display them." Decorating for Christmas can actually be a challenge. So this year, we focused on three places in daily life that are easy to catch the eye.

• Table
• Wall
• Door

We designed them carefully to ensure that each item is complete just by "placing or hanging it," and that they create a sense of unity whether all three are displayed together or individually. For a detailed lineup, please refer to our previous blog post.

Commitment to Material Selection

Conifers, Berries, and Light

This year's Christmas products share a consistent theme: greenery is the star of every product.

Slightly different from the typical red and green Christmas image, &YOUKAEN has opted for a balance of deep green × ivory × a touch of red. This design is based on the "beautiful simplicity" of decorations the director observed in Scandinavia.

In Scandinavia, during the Advent season, many families go into the forest to gather conifers and berries to decorate their homes, making their decorations very simple. We carefully selected materials to allow you to experience the rustic simplicity of these materials in your own Japanese home.

Another important element is "light." The presence of candles is central to Hygge.

To ensure that people of all ages and lifestyles can enjoy them with peace of mind, we used LED candles with a texture like real wax. The light, which replicates the flickering of a flame, instantly brings comfort to the heart.

The Meaning Behind the Name "Polar Night"

Polar Night, literally "polar night," refers to a phenomenon in the Arctic and Antarctic circles. While Denmark itself is not a region of polar night, the length and severity of its winter can sometimes feel like one.

We chose this name because we wanted to contrast the "long, dark winter" with the "warmth brought by light." In the dark season, a small light is all the more deeply felt. That's the sentiment we poured into it.

These arrangements quietly and gently illuminate the lives of those who display them. With conifers and light nearby, we hope you enjoy a peaceful winter.

Next time, we will delve a little deeper into how Christmas is celebrated in Denmark. Please look forward to it.