Is it Christmas yet?

Here is the after photo, and the answer to the question would be a yes, at least if you ask Tette Lindbergh and her family at Stav in Tungelsta. They have been doing this for a few years now. There are no street lights on this road so when it gets dark it gets really dark. The next two neighbors are also in on the fun, and I read a recent Facebook post where some of the locals have a competition going, the winner gets a few bottles of the good stuff apparently.

Lucia Bride of Sweden

This is Emma Johansson from Örkelljunga in Skåne. She has been crowned the 2008 Lucia Bride of Sweden as we celebrate Saint Lucy's Day. Emma visited the Christmas Market in Västerhaninge on Saturday with her Lucia maids as they sang the traditional songs in front of a capacity crowd at the shopping centre. After the performance they headed off to Skansen in Stockholm for the traditional celebration that takes place there every year.

Tradition with a Twist

For forty years we have had an odd Christmas tradition in Sweden. It's against the law, and an American tourist was sentenced to prison for following this tradition a couple of years ago. Here is the story: In Gävle an association called the Southern Merchants build a giant Yule Goat from straw every Christmas. And then we do our best to burn it down! Often successfully, despite police protection and soldiers guarding the goat. You can read more at Wikipedia. And HERE is the web cam. This smaller version can be found in Handen and has survived so far...