Christmas Traditions in Sweden

The Christmas countdown in Sweden begins 4 Sundays before Christmas. This is also known as Sunday of Advent. It generally snows on Christmas in Sweden. Festivities related to Sweden Christmas traditions begin on December 13th, which is St Lucia’s Day. One of the daughters of the house is chosen as Lucia. She wears a crown of candles and evergreens. She serves coffee and Lucia buns to elders of the household as she sings Santa Lucia carols.

In some countries it is believed that Lucia, also known as “Queen of Light” brings presents for the girls and Saint Nicholas brings gifts for boys. Lucia wears a white dress with red sash. She is followed by star boys.

You will also find many who travel all the way to the Swedish Christmas markets. These markets can be found in Stockholm. Here you will get handmade candies, toys, crafts, and ornaments. You can get your gifts packed too from these markets once you have purchased the souvenirs. In Sweden, it is customary to tag a Christmas verse along with the gift.

Decorating Christmas tree in Sweden

Most of the families bring trees 2 days before Christmas. The tree is decorated with Swedish flags, apples, candles, bells, straw ornaments, streamers, candies, gnomes, and caps.

One of the family members dresses up like tomte (Christmas gnome). The tomte distributes gifts to everyone. He wears a red robe and sports a white beard.

Julafton or Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve in Sweden is known as Julafton. Traditionally gifts are exchanged on this day as in many west European countries.

Christmas cuisine

Julskinha, Risgryngrot, and smorgasbord are dishes included in Christmas cuisine in Sweden. “Dipping in Kettle” is an interesting tradition followed on Christmas. Read on to know more.

“Dipping in Kettle”

is one of the Christmas traditions in Sweden. This usually takes place before the midday buffet is served. People recall the times when there was scarcity of food in Sweden. As such prior to starting the actual meal they dip bread in a kettle that has broth.

A midday meal known as Smorgasbord is arranged in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. This is one of the unique Christmas traditions in Sweden. Smorgasbord is dried fish. Other dishes served on this day are –pork sausage, ham (Julskinha), herring salad, boiled potatoes, spiced bread, meatballs, sweet and sour cabbage, and special pudding.

Christmas porridge (Risgryngrot) is prepared and a single almond is used in the porridge. The one who finds the almond is considered lucky and it is believed that the coming year will bring luck. This is an essential part of Sweden Christmas traditions.

Gluhwein is mulled wine and is served with food. This is a favorite Christmas treat for all. Pepper cookies or gingerbread biscuits are accompaniments served with this wine.

St Knut’s Day

January 13th is St Knut’s Day. The last Christmas party is held on this day. On this day, elders wrap up the Christmas decorations. Children feel sad as the last few candies left by Santa remains. Finally the Christmas tree is tucked away. In many houses, the decorations are not removed for a couple of days.

Last updated on 18/11/2010