Yesterday was Saint Lucia Day here in Sweden. I’m not exactly sure why the Swedes celebrate it, or how it came to be a Swedish tradition (it originated in Sicily.) But it’s a pretty big deal. School children dress up and have a special Lucia parade. ”Lucia” walks first with candles on her head. Next follow the ”maids” dressed in white gowns and holding candles, then come the ”star boys” who have cone shaped hats and star wands, and finally come the ”gingerbread boys.” They all sing Christmas carols and special Lucia songs.
The employee choir had their own special parade at work yesterday morning. It was really beautiful. If only I could sing like that…if only I could sing at all. Then the company had lussekatter (saffron and raison pastries that you only eat on Lucia Day,) and gingerbread cookies. It’s always a good day when you get free food at work!
After work P. and I went to Liseberg (which you may remember is the largest amusement park in Sweden.) They had it all lit up for Christmas, plus they have a Christmas market. I’ve been wanting to go since November when they opened for the season. (I’ve been driving past those lights on the freeway for weeks!) Anyway, we went and were disappointed that it cost 70 crowns to go in. (I thought it only cost 20 crowns.) But we were there and I had been waiting to go for so long, so we paid it and went inside. The lights were beautiful although we were a little bit disappointed; we were expecting a bit more for our money. Especially since it’s really hyped up. Anyway, it was pretty. We walked around, enjoyed the lights, checked out the piggies in the petting zoo and treated ourselves to roasted chestnuts and churros. Aye Carumba!
Tonight after work I get to go to yet another Christmas party! This time with my real employer (my contracting agency.) We’ll be at the SAS-Radisson, should be fun! Tomorrow is Friday and we only have a few days left until we leave for vacation!!!
The employee choir had their own special parade at work yesterday morning. It was really beautiful. If only I could sing like that…if only I could sing at all. Then the company had lussekatter (saffron and raison pastries that you only eat on Lucia Day,) and gingerbread cookies. It’s always a good day when you get free food at work!
After work P. and I went to Liseberg (which you may remember is the largest amusement park in Sweden.) They had it all lit up for Christmas, plus they have a Christmas market. I’ve been wanting to go since November when they opened for the season. (I’ve been driving past those lights on the freeway for weeks!) Anyway, we went and were disappointed that it cost 70 crowns to go in. (I thought it only cost 20 crowns.) But we were there and I had been waiting to go for so long, so we paid it and went inside. The lights were beautiful although we were a little bit disappointed; we were expecting a bit more for our money. Especially since it’s really hyped up. Anyway, it was pretty. We walked around, enjoyed the lights, checked out the piggies in the petting zoo and treated ourselves to roasted chestnuts and churros. Aye Carumba!
Tonight after work I get to go to yet another Christmas party! This time with my real employer (my contracting agency.) We’ll be at the SAS-Radisson, should be fun! Tomorrow is Friday and we only have a few days left until we leave for vacation!!!
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