Jul Marknad and St. Lucia

Well the Christmas season is in full swing in Sweden and even in the States now that Thanksgiving is over. This weekend the family went to a "Jul Marknad" (Christmas Market) locally in Hamilton.  Our kids were in the St. Lucia parade, and it was wonderful to see them both participate.  I've written about the legend of St. Lucia here, Lucia.  Basically it's a strange Christian tradition that cloaks the original pagan celebration of the winter solstice, a celebration of bringing in the light.  Listen to the moving song below.

We love Lucia, it's a magical thing watching the children sing in their white robes, and lights in hand and hair in the dark and cold winter morning.  So why not get a head start on it?  Sankta Lucia is actually celebrated on December 13th in homes, schools, hospitals and community centers across Sweden.  But in America, Christmas starts after Thanksgiving so we got right to it!