It was St. Lucia's Day on Sunday and I forgot to post something! It is one of my favorite holidays that I've been trying to honor since my days of reading the American Girl collection (specifically, Kirsten the Swede's books.)

Here's what Camilla Engman (a Swedish designer I've mentioned recently) says about it:

First some history. According to Wikipedia - Saint Lucia Day is the Church feast day dedicated to St. Lucia and is observed on December 13. It retains traditional forms of celebration mainly in Scandinavia, parts of the United States and southern Europe. In Scandinavia, this was also the date in the Gregorian calendar earlier celebrated by the hedonic population that was afraid of Lucifer (the devil himself) which still today somewhat lives through the tradition of Lussevaka - Stay awake on the night between 12th till 13th and guard oneself against being taken by Lucifer lord of darkness by having an all night party. This is still carried out today mostly by the younger population having great parties (= drinking a lot of alcohol). When the light then arrives with the morning you are safe again.

In traditional celebrations, Saint Lucia comes as a young woman with lights and sweets. It is one of the few saint days observed in Scandinavia. In some forms, a procession is headed by one girl dressed in white gown, red sash and a crown of lingonberry branches wearing a crown of candles (or lights), while others in the procession hold only a single candle each. Accompanied by boys dressed as "star boys" also with long white gowns and white cone-shaped hats adorned with golden stars. Lucia carries a tray of coffee and the traditional pastry, called Lussekatter (Lucy Cats), which are saffron buns with a few raisins, baked in symbolic shapes.Lucia is coming with the light.

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Unfortunately I was in S.L.O this St. Lucia's Day, but I think I'll play St. Lucia on December 24 instead. There are no star boys (I'm the only star the family can handle). My St. Lucia rolls are the best. My family will attest to this fact.