#saint lucia

Svart senker natten seg I stall og stue Solen har gått sin vei, Skyggene truer Inn i vårt mørke hus Stiger med tente lys, Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia

Happy Saint Lucia day

north america part 3 (N-U) (final)

"Saint Lucia invites you to breakfast!"

Saint Lucia Day is a beloved Swedish tradition that Kirsten was happy to introduce to her cousins, aunt, uncle, and teacher in Minnesota last year. This year, it won't be so much of a surprise, but Kirsten doesn't mind. Saint Lucia bringing breakfast officially kicks off the Christmas season!

A few hours before sundown, she rehearses to make sure everything is ready to go: the saffron and raisin buns are baked, coffee is ready to brew, the serving tray is brought out, and she finishes making her wreath from wintergreen leaves and grapevines that Anna and Lisbeth helped her gather.

"In each family, one girl gets to be the Lucia queen. She dresses up in a long white dress and a red sash, and she wears a crown of green leaves and lighted candles. She gets up very, very early in the morning, while it's still pitch black and everyone is asleep. She lights the candles in her crown, and she goes from room to room in the dark house, carrying a tray."

"First she goes to her parents' room. Even though they've helped her get ready, they can hardly believe their eyes when they see her, she looks so beautiful in her costume."