Posts From: Christmas
Dec
22
Hello, Winter Solstice. It’s so nice to have you here in Sweden, because once your 24 hours are over, it’s all uphill to Midsommar! As you probably know, today is the shortest day of the year for 2011, i.e. the darkest. Here in Gothenburg, Sweden, we had a sunrise at 8:55am and the sunset will at 3:26pm for a total of six hours and 31 minutes of sunlight. It has …continue reading
Dec
13
Let There Be Trains and Buns
Filed under Christmas, Food + Drink, Traditions | 2 Comments
The day is coming to an end in Sweden, although the sun set long ago at 3:25 p.m. Yes, our days now are 75% darkness. But today is a day of light, for today is Luciadagen, Saint Lucia’s Day. In short (because you can read the long version on Wikipedia), modern-day Sweden celebrates Lucia with two very distinct traditions. Luciatåg Literally translated as Lucia train (choo choo!), Luciatåg is actually centered around a …continue reading
Dec
9
Moss, It’s Hip
Filed under Christmas, Traditions | 2 Comments
Although I’m coming upon my second Christmas in Sweden, I’m still learning new traditions. The most recent being about moss landscapes. Picture the traditional American fireplace, its mantle covered with white, synthetic pillow stuffing for snow and decorated with miniature houses and street lamps that depict a Norman Rockwell winter landscape. Now that you’ve got an image in your mind, change out the stuffing for real moss purchased in bags …continue reading
Dec
30
Channeling the Swedish Chef
Filed under Christmas, Food + Drink | 8 Comments
On the morning of Julafton (Christmas Eve), I found myself in a very humorous situation — in a Swedish kitchen, making Swedish meatballs, with a Swedish chef (well, Fredrik), in Sweden. Now, you may find it hard to believe, but in this country they’re just called meatballs. If you Google köttbullar, you’ll find many recipes for the real deal, but here is an adapted version (with American measurements) of the recipe …continue reading
Dec
21
Julbord: Sweden’s Best Christmas Idea
Filed under Christmas, Food + Drink, Traditions | 3 Comments
Many Swedish ways of life have been introduced to me since arriving last month. With Christmas almost here, I am quickly realizing that the Swedes know how to enjoy food. Yes, we Americans know how to fill the table on Thanksgiving with turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, etc, but the Swedes do food with style. Julbord is literally translated as Christmas Table (Jul=Christmas + bord=table). I have been told that …continue reading
