Back to December, part 2

On December 13th every year Swedes celebrate Saint Lucia Day.  You can find celebrations and the Saint Lucia processions everywhere.  Scott and I caught one at the Carolina Rediviva (the university's main library).

Here's a little clip of the procession.  You can read more about Saint Lucia Day here.  We were lucky to see one with real candles, as I understand many have moved over to battery powered candles.

Near Fyris River, in the center of town, the snow seemed to bring with it the Christmas spirit.

The already cute house next to our place was looking even cuter with snow.  Wandering cats make it even cuter.

The duck's pond began to shrink.  

 All throughout town you can see how this time of year is special.  Gentle lighting was everywhere!

It was great fun to see how stores get into the holiday spirit here.  It's not the big flashy American kind of Christmas with all the bright lights and Santas everywhere.  Rather, it's subdued and folksy.  

We tried to do our part in bringing the Swedish Christmas spirit to our abode by hanging a lit star and lighting candles in our window.  Honestly, I so enjoyed bus rides at this time because when you'd pass an apartment building, almost every window would be lit up with stars and/or Advent candelabras.  It's as if each family sees it their duty to contribute to overall effect.  Here's a little history of the electric Advent candelabra, in case you are interested.

Since we love food, we also did our part by eating plenty of lussekatter (Lucia cats - saffron buns).  Scott joined his colleagues for a julbord (Christmas table) at Hotel Villa Anna.  Unfortunately, they took down their julbord menu and Scott did not take pictures.  You can imagine how excited he was about all the offerings.

We went to Scott's Fulbright host's Stockholm apartment for a Christmas party.  His neighbor decorates every year, but according to Dag (Scott's host) this year was subdued due to the energy crisis.  It also turns out the guy spent many years in the U.S., and thus he goes a bit crazy with the lights.  Notice the stars and the Advent candelabra in the windows.

Speaking of lights, after the party we went down to City Hall and it was just gorgeous.

As Christmas approached, Scott came down with COVID and then I did.  We had to postpone our travels to the Baltic States, but we did manage to get outside and go for walks in the woods by our apartment (our go to!).  This one day I was in awe of the lighting.  Like the lighting throughout the city, it's gentle. 

Scott did manage to make us our traditional Christmas dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, and green beans, but he had to eat his alone in the bedroom.

Santa found us in Uppsala.  It was more of a Christmas of experiences than of physical gifts, which we think of as the best kind.

I'm not going to lie, the time between Christmas and New Year's (besides our time in Östersund and Åre - which had its own challenges), was tough.  It was particularly hard for Sam because her two parents had to isolate, and she could not see friends.  However, I think we'll think of it somewhat fondly next year when we celebrate back in Duluth.  And, for the record, Sam took the above photo!