"In Sweden, the Christmas season begins December 13, the feast of Saint Lucia. The youngest/eldest (it varied on it website) daughter in each family poses as the fourth-century Sicilian martyr. Clothed in a red-sashed white dress, an evergreen wreath with seven lighted candles perched upon her head, the young Swedish girl begins the day by carrying coffee and buns to family members in their rooms. Boys dress as "star boys" in long white shirts and pointed hats. Everyone thanks the Queen of Light for bringing hope during the darkest time of the year.
Christmas trees are usually found in Swedish homes two days before Christmas. Decoration may include candles, apples, Swedish flags, small gnomes wearing red tasseled caps, straw ornaments. The houses may filled with red tulips and smell like pepparkakor, which is a heart-star, or goat-shaped gingerbread biscuit.
After Christmas Eve dinner, a friend or family member dresses up as tomte or Christmas gnome. The tomte, unlike Santa Claus is supposed to live under the floorboards of the house or barn and ride a straw goat. The make-believe tomte, wearing a white beard and dressed in red robes, distributes gifts from his sack. Many are given with funny rhyme that hints at the contents."
Please note: Throughout this week, if anyone finds error in what I post about foreign tradition, please inform me so that I may correct it. I am just finding this information via the internet and hope not to offend anyone.
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