Thursday, December 23, 2010

Halleluhia! Merry Christmas!

Santa Lucia



So many wonderful traditions fill this time of year. For the strongly Swedish family influence there is Santa Lucia- who earlier in the month processes through the village in white robe and candle wreath to wake the family with warm rolls. Our version has always been far less elaborate- and old white nightgown from the dressing up box and mismatched candleholders tied onto hair with shoelaces. We still cary it on now by eating swedish pancakes with lingonberry sauce. Not a bad way to wake up.

Saint Nicholas




A Wonderful Christmas tradition here in France and Germany! Saint Nicholas and his more sinister counterpart visit children- granting sweets to good ones and whips with long branches to the bad. In this incarnation (at a local megagrocerystore in France) They and their donkey were passing out fresh rolls to the children.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010