Ellen Hillingsø

A CHRISTMAS FAIRYTALE AND THE GIFT OF GRACE

“I love the hustle and bustle of December, but in contrast to all the activity, I deeply cherish the darkness and stillness of Christmas itself. I am also drawn to the idea of the winter solstice, heralding brighter days ahead. It is a wonderful time, offering a sense of calm that we rarely experience at any other time of the year,” says Ellen Hillingsø, who uses the Christmas season to reflect on the state of the world, while also finding great joy in decorating, weaving traditional Danish paper Christmas hearts and baking Christmas cookies with a friend.

There are traditions, church services, candlelight, Christmas food, family and togetherness. But for Ellen, Christmas is also a time for contemplation, myths, ancient tales, wonder and, not least, a hope rooted in nature – a hope that is nurtured during the festive season.

The Legend of the Christmas Rose

The enduring nature of the natural world, the mysterious depths of the forest and Selma Lagerlöf’s beautiful tale The Legend of the Christmas Rose, in which the forest is transformed into a blossoming garden on Christmas Eve, are the sources of inspiration for Ellen’s Christmas table for Royal Copenhagen.

Her talent for drama and storytelling is evident in the staging of a beautifully laid Christmas table that appears to have been hastily abandoned. The table holds a mystery. We are left wondering: what happened here, who was seated at the table, and why did they suddenly leave? Perhaps it is a post-apocalyptic, enigmatic fairytale that calls for our attention and reflection. Much like the Christmas roses in Selma Lagerlöf’s tale, which miraculously bloom despite disbelief and misfortune, reminding us of the miracle of Christmas night, nature has also taken over Ellen’s Christmas table. Wild branches, soft mosses, roots and plants have reclaimed the space once occupied by the Christmas guests, reminding us that nature always prevails in the end. Perhaps they also serve as a reminder that grace, love and beauty still exist in the world.

Ellen Hillingsø (b. 1967)

Ellen Hillingsø (b. 1967) graduated as an actress from Aarhus Theatre in 1994. She is known for her numerous roles in theatre, film and television. She is also a public speaker, moderator and sought-after voice artist for animated films, audiobooks and commercials. She rose to national prominence in Ole Bornedal’s television series Charlott & Charlotte in 1996. Ellen has a particular gift for exploring the potential of language. Among other works, she co-authored the autobiographical conversation book Generalens datter (The General’s Daughter) with her father, Lieutenant General Kjeld Hillingsø. Her latest book, Nu vi alligevel er her (Since We’re Here Anyway), written with Annelise Eriksen, explores the importance of making an effort and taking responsibility.