Santa Lucia is a holiday observed in Scandinavian countries that simply oozes magic. Celebrated on December 13th, it is based around St. Lucia, who brings light during the darkest winter months. Wearing a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head, she leads the procession of women holding candles. Boys wear conic hats adorned with stars and carry star wands (!!!).

I am not Scandinavian, but I adore this holiday and really wish I could join in on celebration. There was one Swedish restaurant in NY called Ulrika’s which offered a traditional St. Lucia dinner December 11-13th, but apparently it closed before I ever got to go. :( I was so looking forward to it, I even marked it on my calendar! *sigh*I guess this means I’m baking Lucia’s cats on my own this year. I already wore a Crown of Candy Canes last year as a tribute, this time around I’m hoping to be rocking a pointy white hat!

St. Lucia’s day is a wonderful way to open the Christmas season. In addition to peculiar fashions, it is centered around a woman who overcame the darkness with her light.


Girls singing Sankta Lucia, beautiful!

Deerlings: do any of you celebrate St. Lucia? Tell us about your traditions.