Swedish Christmas Traditions to Bring Home This Holiday Season
In Sweden, Christmas, or jul, is all about light and togetherness during the darkest time of the year. Many traditions are simple and cozy, and easy to bring into your own home, wherever you live. Here are some of the Swedish Christmas customs we love most at Huset.
Advent and candlelight
The season begins on the first Sunday of Advent, when Swedes light the first of four candles in an Advent candlestick and hang glowing star lamps and electric candle bridges in their windows. By December, windows all over Sweden are softly lit. A few candles on the table and windowsill are the easiest way to get that warm Scandinavian feeling at home.
Lucia on December 13
On the morning of December 13, Sweden celebrates Lucia. A procession led by Lucia, dressed in white with a crown of candles, sings traditional songs in schools, churches and homes. It's paired with saffron buns called lussekatter and gingerbread cookies, pepparkakor.
Glögg, pepparkakor and something sweet
Warm, spiced glögg with raisins and almonds is served at gatherings all through December. Pepparkakor are everywhere, and Swedish candy and chocolate are a big part of the holidays, especially on Christmas Eve.
The tomte
The tomte is a small, bearded gnome from Scandinavian folklore who watches over the home and farm. Today tomtar, often made of wool, felt or wood, decorate homes all season long and make lovely gifts.
Christmas Eve and the julbord
In Sweden, the big celebration happens on Christmas Eve, December 24. Families gather around the julbord, a Christmas buffet with dishes like ham, meatballs, herring, and Jansson's temptation, a creamy potato casserole. Many families also gather to watch Disney's classic Donald Duck holiday special on TV in the afternoon, a tradition for generations.
Bring Swedish Christmas home
Light a few candles, set out something sweet and gather the people you love. That's the heart of a Swedish jul. For gift ideas inspired by these traditions, browse our Scandinavian stocking stuffers, gifts for the host and our Swedish Candy Shop.
God Jul from all of us at Huset, 1316 ½ Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, CA.