What if Moms Could See Through Screens?

This is the oldest photo on my iPhone, taken on December 28, 2023, during a cozy Christmas visit to my parents in the village of Mörbylånga on Öland. The picture captures a close-up of my mom with her signature "grim look"—but don’t be fooled! That’s the face she pulls when she’s telling me I spend way too much time on my phone. It’s her special way of saying, “Be present, not digital.”  

 In the background, you can catch a glimpse of our familiar family kitchen—a warm, comforting setting filled with decades of holiday memories. The soft light streaming in through the window adds a nostalgic touch to this simple but telling moment.  

What I love about this photo is how it perfectly encapsulates my mom’s personality. She’s sharp, loving, and always ready to call me out with a little dose of tough love. This expression of hers is both funny and grounding—just like our relationship.  

Looking at this photo, I can’t help but think about how the holidays bring us back to the essentials: family, connection, and the little quirks that make us who we are. Even though she’s reminding me to put the phone down, it’s moments like this that make me so grateful to have captured her essence—unfiltered and true to herself.  

Sometimes the simplest snapshots carry the deepest meaning. For me, this photo is a reminder to strike a balance between the digital and the real world, between capturing the moment and simply living it.  

Do you have a photo that tells a story about someone you love? Share it with me—I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!  

#familymoments #realconnection #digitaldetox #minnenförlivet #vardagsglädje #holidayvibes #livetpåöland #swedishmom #simplejoys #nostalgipåmobilen