Crăciunelu de Sus (meaning Little Christmas in Romanian) is a small village nestled within the green hills of Transylvania. The series Guardians of Little Christmas portrays the lives of six older women who live alone in their traditional homes. By capturing their day-to-day life, the resilience and strength of the last guardians of the village's heritage is remembered. 


Guardians of Little Christmas serves as a tribute to the women of Crăciunelu de Sus, to their beauty and authenticity.



2023 - ongoing

selected for the Canon Student Development Program 2024

Romanian village in Transylvania, woman walking in authentic romanian village.
Authentic romanian house with chicken
Romanian old woman shows her house

Aurélia shows the space where her two pig’s lives. She has been living alone for the past few years. Without assistance, she faces challenges in maintaining not only her house but also the shed and the areas for her animals. Despite these difficulties, Aurélia shows determination.

In a romanian guest room, a vibrant cupboard with preserves on its shelves, together with jars of homemade compote — a cherished tradition among elderly villagers in Transylvania.

In the guest room, a vibrant cupboard with preserves on its shelves, together with jars of homemade compote — a cherished tradition among elderly villagers.

A woman in Transylvania is walking through her door
Woman in the quest toom.

Maria in her inviting ‘good’ room or guest room (Cameră de Oaspeți or Cameră Bună in Romanian) where guests are received. It holds furniture, traditional woven carpets, embroidered pillowcases and textiles, which often gives a museum-like feeling when entering. While primarily for display, it also turns into a sleepover place for the grandchildren in summer. The golden-framed biblical pictures of Jesus and Maria stand out against the walls, showing the influence of religion in her life.

An old romanian window in a transylvanian village.
Eggs are a precious gift in Romania; woman places eggs on the couch.

Eggs are a precious gift, especially during the winter months when chickens lay fewer eggs due to reduced daylight. Her neighbor Bianca considers the thoughtful gift she received and wonders what she can give in return.

Old hands of woman placing eggs in a bag.

Maria’s hands carefully placing eggs into a reused plastic bag. A delicate action which reflects the resourcefulness, nothing is thrown away without consideration.

A cosy traditional romanian kitchen.

In the heart of the room stands the stove, with its glow as a constant presence. The room appears buzzy, filled with essential elements: a sturdy table, a cozy

bed, a couple of chairs and traditional kitchen cupboards, each item containing their own story.

woman prays in romanian church.
Jesus is bathing in sunlight in a transylvanian village.

Bathing in the last sunlight, a cross with Jesus at the village center stands as a symbol of Orthodox Christian faith.

woman talking in circle after church in Transylvania.
Two woman holding hands after the Sunday’s mass in Transylvania.

Two woman holding hands after the Sunday’s mass. Basil is considered a sacred herb in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, symbolizing purity and protection. During feasts it's customary for the women to bring basil plants to church for blessings. After the blessing, the basil is often brought home and kept as a form of spiritual protection to ensure good health for the whole family.

two traditional romanian woman in a apple orchard.
chickens fly out of chicken coop in traditional romania.
portret of the oldest woman in a traditional village in romania.

Nana Maria or Lelea Mare is known as the oldest woman in Crăciunelu de Sus and therefore holding a significant role in the village history. In the past, when telephones were new, her home housed the only telephone in the village and thus holding all its happenings and secrets.

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