Christmas in Sweden is a special time of year with
millions of lights aglow and festivities planned
for a full month-long celebration to help dispel
an otherwise dark, gloomy winter.
In Sweden, festivities usually begin with the lighting
of the first of four Advent candles in homes across
the country, followed by the annual must-see December
1 airing of a popular national television holiday
entertainment special, "Julkalendar".
Yet another Swedish tradition arrives on December
13, honoring St. Lucia, featuring a young girl dressed
in a lighted candle crown, leading a parade of children
for Lucia Day festivities. It also celebrated with
traditional songs and treats such as pepparkator
(gingerbread cookies) and lussekatter (saffron buns).