Scandinavian Christmas

I have only recently discovered the first Swedish immigrant of our family. He and his Danish wife, Anne Marie, and their six children came to America in 1904. Lars was a butter maker. He worked to make butter in a small town in Minnesota.

I have never visited Sweden or Denmark, so I wanted to find out what their first Christmas in America might have been like. I also wanted to see how I might incorporate some of those Scandinavian customs into our holiday celebrations. It seemed only fitting.

As I googled to find out all I could, I was so happy to find out about St. Lucy!

"St. Lucy is venerated on her feast day, December 13, by a variety of ceremonies. In Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration. On that day the eldest daughter of the family traditionally dresses in a white robe and wears as a crown an evergreen wreath studded with candles. The festival is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year. " https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy

"The celebrations take place in churches, homes and workplaces and are extremely popular thanks to the beautiful songs and atmosphere."

Along with this ceremony, a tray of traditional Swedish sweets, like the saffron buns are served. The raisins symbolize St. Lucy's eyes because she is considered the patron of "sight."

Her martyrdom was established because of St. Lucy, a virgin who had been forced to go into a brothel for prostitution, absolutely refused to become a part of that, was then sacrificed/killed for the sake of her principles and beliefs. It is said that the particular night of December 13th, is the longest night in Sweden, therefore, the darkest. So, the light of St' Lucy guides others to become "lights" in dark places, also. All of this brings hope!

Recipe above and short informational video below...both priceless!

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And then there is Denmark!

I found this great article which was very helpful to my quest:

Key Points:

* Santa Claus is named Julemanden in Danish (literally: The Christmas Man), and he is assisted by a group of Nisse, a sort of naughty elf that has a lot in common with the American ‘elf on the shelf’ (some people say they are the original version). Presents are brought for children by Julemanden and he arrives on December 24 to distribute them.

* Christmas dinner is a serious affair. Traditionally, you will be sat at a table for a good few hours, eating a meal of roast pork and duck plus boiled potatoes, red cabbage and gravy.

* Risalamande is the big Christmas dessert, a rice pudding topped with cherry sauce where a whole almond will be hiding. The family member who finds the almond in their bowl gets a prize or extra present.

* There are plenty of other wonderful foods that we eat around Christmastime, including æbleskiver, little fried doughnuts sprinkled with icing sugar, Christmas Beer, gløgg, or hot mulled wine, and candied almonds.

So, I see so many similarities and so many differences between a traditional Christmas meal in America and one in Scandinavia! The Risalamande reminds me of finding the baby inside the Kings Cake in a Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration. I think pork roast might be better than Tom Turkey for me...I'll give that a go, but the duck? Not my favorite.

I always wondered where the idea of an elf on the shelf came from...and there are many countries who claim the original origin. The stories and folklore are endless.

And for those who are wondering what "Glogg" is (like me) there is a spicy aroma wafting up right now. Sounds delicious and I want to make this part of Christmas in my house...thank you Scandinavian relatives!

And who knew that the Danes loved their beer so much? Let's go, Vikings! They start early, too...first Friday in November! I'm behind. Does that mean I need to catch up?

My thoughts on a Scandinavian Christmas are that the season is full of meaning to them and they bring their gusto, their hearty and warm personalities with such an inviting atmosphere that others are naturally drawn to embody that spirit, too. It seems almost magical. Maybe those Nisse are still working their mischief!

It's basically eat, drink, and be merry. I didn't tell you that they also typically dance around the Christmas tree while holding hands and singing. I don't know how safe that might be after all the beer and Glogg, though!

I hope you've enjoyed my homage to the Christmas that Lars & Anne Marie brought with them as they settled into America. May some of that Christmas spirit bring you joy!