Like most European countries, Swedish Christmas celebrations feature such mainstream symbols as Father Christmas, decorated fir trees and brightly coloured presents. However, in among all the usual suspects, Swedish Yule celebrations also throw up some surprises.
The Christmas holiday period begins on the first Sunday of Advent when the first Advent candle is lit, although most of the feasting and celebrations take place after St. Lucia Day.
Held on December 13th every year, St. Lucia Day features a procession headed by a girl wearing a crown of candles, symbolizing the flames which refused to burn Saint Lucia when condemned to the stake.
From December 13th, the festive season is in full swing, and although every family celebrates the Christmas period differently, here are some of the country's most quintessentially Swedish traditions.
Friday, 25 December 2009 13:38 | 
