How is Christmas Eve celebrated in Sweden?

How is Christmas Eve celebrated in Sweden?

You may be familiar with the Swedish concept of smorgasbord, and on Christmas Eve Swedes celebrate with a julbord. Fish features heavily (smoked salmon, pickled herring and lye-fish), plus ham, sausages, ribs, cabbage, potatoes and of course, meatballs.

What are Swedish Christmas traditions?

Each Sunday until Christmas, a candle is lit (and blown out after a while), until all four candles are alight. And on each of these Sundays, many Swedes enjoy glögg – a hot, spicy mulled wine with blanched almonds and raisins – and pepparkakor (gingerbread biscuits).

What is Christmas Eve called in Sweden?

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How do they celebrate Christmas in Sweden for kids?

Families in Sweden decorate Christmas trees. They often make straw ornaments to remind them of Jesus in his manger. Children open their presents on December 24. On Christmas Day, families go to church.

What are 3 holiday traditions in Sweden?

Swedish festivities, holidays and traditions

• Easter. Swedish families usually gather for an Easter Buffet during this time. ...
• Walpurgis Eve (Valborgsmässoafton), April 30. ...
• Graduation time (“studenten”) ...
• Swedish National Day, June 6. ...
• Midsummer. ...
• Crayfish parties. ...
• Nobel Day. ...
• St Lucia.

Why do Swedes celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

Celebrating on the 24th of December It is, in fact, a part of the Nordic culture to celebrate most holidays on the eve of. The reason for this is the way the Nordic countries used to measure time and dates. Based on ancient ways of counting time, a day would typically start after sundown.

What does Santa look like in Sweden?

Father Christmas comes in two forms in Sweden: a gnome-like figure from Swedish folklore, called a jultomte, and a rather jolly old man with a white beard and wearing a fur-trimmed red suit, known the world-over as Santa!

Why do Scandinavians open presents on Christmas Eve?

Because Norwegians believe that the arrival of Christmas coincides with the arrival of evil witches and other spirits, there is a tradition of hiding all the brooms in the house. Christmas Eve is when Julenissen (Santa Claus) brings gifts to the children, which they are allowed to open after dinner.

Why do Swedes celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve?

It is, in fact, a part of the Nordic culture to celebrate most holidays on the eve of. The reason for this is the way the Nordic countries used to measure time and dates. Based on ancient ways of counting time, a day would typically start after sundown. More specifically at 6 pm, according to the Swedish Church.

Why do Sweden celebrate Christmas the 24th of December?

Celebrating on the 24th of December It is, in fact, a part of the Nordic culture to celebrate most holidays on the eve of. The reason for this is the way the Nordic countries used to measure time and dates. Based on ancient ways of counting time, a day would typically start after sundown.

What to do on Christmas Eve in Sweden?

• A great opportunity to sit inside in a sofa, covered with a cozy blanket holding a warm cup of tea, eating christmas pastry, like pepparkakor, gingerbread. Some Swedes just hate the cold and darkness and can’t wait for their New Year’s trip to Thailand. What to watch on TV in Sweden on Christmas eve? In Sweden, that’s not even a question.

What do Swedish children drink during Christmas?

• Julmust is what Swedish children like to drink during Christmas. Tastes a bit like cola but a bit more “too sweet”. Now you should be a bit more prepared for a traditional Swedish Christmas celebration.

What do Swedish people joke about Christmas?

• Swedes joke about this tradition, but in the end they laugh about being a part of a nationwide Christmas joke. Almost all Swedish living rooms are decorated with a christmas tree. This tree is usually bought on the parking lot outside a supermarket – or illegally taken from the nearby woods.