My apologies that this post came in a little late, but here is our travel, adventure challenge for the month.
Choose a tradition from around the world, and follow it this year, or next year. Add it to your celebrations. It can have religious significance or just be for fun. Comment below on your choice.
A fun tradition that Lydia and I have added to our family’s Christmas celebration is a Swedish one. The youngest in the family, dresses up in a long white gown with a red sash. A wreath of candles is placed on top of her head. She makes hot cocoa, (or coffee) and some kind of special muffin or dessert. Traditionally in Sweden Saint Lucia serves “Lussekatt”, an S-shaped saffron bun. She then walks through the house and wakes or greets each family member with “Saint Lucia invites you to breakfast.” Lydia and I add “Merry Christmas!” In Sweden there is often a procession of maidens and young boys with candles who march singing traditional songs. The candles represent spreading light. In Sweden, theses maidens and boys often bless police officers, townspeople, teachers etc. with their morning treats.
There are many pagan and catholic associations with Saint Lucia day in Sweden, but there are also legends of a sweet lady in a white gown who brought food to the poor, and spread light to her community. To be perfectly honest Lydia and I found this tradition in an American girl book called “Kirsten’s Surprise”, about a Swedish immigrant in the 1800’s. We were charmed with the idea of carrying lighted candles through the house, representing Spiritual light, and greeting our hard working parents and siblings with treats on Christmas morning. So we don’t include anything catholic or pagan to our Christmas, for those of you who were getting concerned. 😉
May God bless your Christmas and New Year with His light!
