It’s Christmas time! Are you also looking forward to candles and Christmas trees and presents? When I first came here, I missed out on a few Swedish traditions, just because I did not know about them. That is why I am sharing my Christmas time bucket list with you this year.

This is what I am planning to do:

  • Baking lussekatter with friends. You will find these pretty yellow saffron buns in every supermarket, but they taste way better when you make them yourself!
  • Seeing a Lucia-concert in the cathedral. On December 13, Swedes celebrate Santa Lucia’s day. I am sure you have heard about it. It is magical to see a dressed-up procession singing Lucia songs. The songs, the candles and the whole atmosphere create an instant Christmas-feeling. Have a look here!
  • Going to a Christmas market, even though they might not be as impressive as in my home country Germany. 😉
  • Watching SVTs julkalender every day. It is a tradition that Swedish television produces a Christmas calendar in form of a children’s series that releases a new episode every morning, from the 1st to the 24th. Perfect for you who is learning Swedish… and really cute!
  • Having a Christmas celebration with my friends with a loooot of tasty food (Try googling a Swedish julbord).

All these activities make it easier to get over the homesickness that comes inevitably before Christmas. They light up the cold and dark as well! What are you planning to do in the next weeks?

Happy Holidays to you all! God jul!
/Anne