Every year on December 13th, Santa Lucia is celebrated in Sweden… and also in Minneapolis. My husband is from Sweden and my boy is an EU passport carrying Swede as well! We try to celebrate all the Swedish traditions in our home so Elliott will know his cultural background. And because it’s fun!
Years ago, before Elliott was born, Patrik and I would go to the Santa Lucia celebration at the American Swedish Institute. It was so amazing. The kids all dressed in their Lucia gowns, singing the Swedish songs. We would dream of the day our own child would be up there too. And after many, many years of waiting, that day is finally here! Tonight our little Elliott will be involved with his very first Santa Lucia celebration at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. What is even more cool is that the gown he will be wearing is the same gown his farfar (grandfather) Olof wore when he was a stjärngosse (starboy) and his pappa Patrik also wore! Elliott will be the third generation starboy in this gown. The gown is somewhere around 80 years old and was impeccably preserved by Patrik’s mother. Making the starboy hat was tricky and took me three attempts but I finally got it! We are incredibly proud!
Yesterday my husband spent hours in the kitchen making Lussekatter which involved a lot of saffron and a lot of patience. But they are amazing and such a fun part of the Swedish tradition. Instead of me going on here about what Santa Lucia is to Swedes, take a few moments and watch this highly entertaining video what hits every note. Seriously perfect! I’m also posting a few pictures of the Lussekatter in the making and of our very own starboy! I hope you have a wonderful Santa Lucia day!
