Advent Calendar December 13: This One Is A No Brainer
St. Lucia Day In Sweden
Dec 13 is always easy. I don’t have to think, watch countless videos—I only have to choose between Swedish Lucia performances.
I wrote straight through the night last night, toward my book deadline, and am curiously not tired, even though I didn’t take a nap today and meant to go to sleep around 11 am. (The reason for this will be the subject of a post tomorrow. )
Normally I have to watch 10 Lucia videos before I find one I am happy with. Not this time—it was the first one I landed on.
By far, this is my favorite Swedish Christmas custom.
If you ever are in Sweden on Dec 13 and out in the countryside, try to arrange to catch sight of a “Luciatåg” (Lucia procession) coming through the pitch dark across the snow, with their candles lit. You’ll remember it forever.
I like this one too. A little more traditional:
I found one more I like. Goodnight!
And this one! Also beautiful.
(I vote no forever on any candle color except white. Liljeholmen’s white.)
On the third video from the top, Linköpings domkyrka 2003, I wonder if I falsely accused them of using (gasp) YELLOW candles. But are they? It could be a trick of the light. I honestly can't imagine it. The whole choir would have to be under a minor possession to do such a thing.
All of these are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them! 🙏🏼✨