Since there is no major holiday between Halloween and Christmas in Sweden, all the Christmas cheer and celebration starts right after Halloween on November 1st. I was surprised to see my Swedish city transform overnight into a Christmas wonderland. All the city decorations went up, the storefronts had their display cases decked out in festive decor, and the Christmas market countdown began.
Since Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in both the U.S. and Sweden, I was excited to see what traditions Swedes took part in to enjoy the season. Here are 6 Swedish Christmas traditions.
1. Swedish Treats
Glögg: This is the spiced red wine you get when walking around Christmas Markets. You can get it alcoholic or nonalcoholic, although when it’s warmed for a while, most of the alcohol boils out of it. It’s served warm and you’re supposed to put almonds and raisins in it. The raisins get reabsorbed and soak in all the delicious glögg flavor.
Peppar Kakor: These are delicious gingerbread crisps. They are thin cookies that pair perfectly with your glögg. I bought a container of them at the grocery store and they are the perfect little snack.
Julmust: This is Sweden’s version of coke that is only served at Christmas and Easter. It’s similar to the coke flavor, but foamy and has a slight root beer flavor as well. Swedes absolutely love it.
Saffron buns (lussekatter): This is an S-shaped bun that is supposed to resemble a curled-up cat. It’s flavored with saffron and only eaten during the Christmas season. It is also topped with two raisins that are supposed to resemble the cat’s eyes.
2. Paper Stars
When you pass most apartment buildings, homes, schools, and storefronts you will see these paper stars hanging in their windows. Most of these stars have lights that illuminate windows as the sun sets earlier and the days get shorter. It’s festive and simple decor to feel more in the Christmas spirit.
3. Christmas Markets
I’m sure most people have heard of the various Christmas Markets around Europe. You drink mulled wine as you shop around for local gifts for friends and family. And it’s just that! The Christmas markets also have a social and cozy aspect to them. The majority of the items sold at the Swedish Markets include handmade wool mittens, socks, hats, and slippers. There have also been lots of Swedish candy and homemade treats.
There is a huge focus on practicality and handmade items. It’s a nice change from just going into a big box store and getting something mass-produced that might not be the best quality.
4. Saint Lucia’s Day
December 13th is a special 400-year-old celebration for Swedes. Saint Lucia’s Day or Lucia marks the Winter Solstice. Swedes in workplaces, schools, churches, etc have a celebration where they dress in white gowns, carry candles, and sing songs to celebrate Saint Lucia.
It is believed Lucia is the bearer of light and they do this to welcome more light. They also have tons of treats like peppar kokar and saffron buns.
5. Donald Duck
Swedes don’t care about Mickey Mouse, but they do have an affinity for Donald Duck. This is especially prevalent during the Christmas season. On Christmas Day, Swedish households (specifically at 3 PM) watch Donald Duck as their form of entertainment…why? I believe it’s because Donald Duck’s comic books are more common in Sweden.
6. Ice Skating
Yes, ice skating is a winter activity in the U.S., but in Sweden, they take it very seriously. You can borrow ice skates and helmets for free at some places. In my smaller Swedish city, there are at least 30 ice rinks that open up. Not to mention, the lakes will freeze over, and it’s a huge activity to grab some skates and ice skate on the frozen lake. There are even hot dog stands set up.
Let me know what Christmas traditions you have where you are living 🙂
