A New Way to See Light at Christmas

Hey everyone! How’s it going? During the Christmas season, my family loves to look at the Christmas lights.  I make it a point to show my daughter all of the lights along our way to the grocery store, the bank, the school, etc. My daughter ooh’s and aah’s over them and then usually goes back to playing her tablet. I can’t tell if she’s actually excited about the lights or just reacts for my benefit.  Oh well. I love them anyway! We also set aside some time to actually go into neighborhoods to see the amazing creativity that people have with their lights. I am blown away every year by the effort that goes into creating whole scenes, patterns, and displays. It’s one of my favorite Christmas activities. So how about you? Do you like to see the lights? Do you make a special effort to travel to see the lights? Maybe this year is that year to start the tradition.

Speaking of lights, most Scandinavian countries celebrate a holiday of light called St. Lucia’s Day. It usually happens around December 13^thand is a more formal ritual than the other Christmas activities that they do.

This holiday commemorates Saint Lucy who according to one legend, brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs using a candle lit wreath on her head so her hands could be free to carry as much food as possible. She suffered a martyr’s death in 310 a.d. Her feast day coincided with the Winter Solstice, or the shortest day of the year; however, due to calendar reforms that is no longer the case.

All of the Scandinavian countries have their own way of celebrating this festival of light. Some are religious in nature while others are secular. However, they all include a girl of around 13yrs old representing Saint Lucy dressed in a white robe with a red sash and wearing a candle lit wreath on her head.  There are other girls in the procession all dressed in white robes and they carry one candle in their hands.  They form a parade and sing a Lucia song as they enter the room. After finishing the song, the group sings Christmas carols or more songs about Lucia.  Some traditions have added giving out sweet buns called “lussekatt” buns and visiting retirement homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. In addition, the holiday is often blended with many rituals involving Christ and Christmas.  

After researching this holiday, it sounds to me that they love this holiday not only for the religious reasons, but because it reminds them of the importance of light. December is one of the darkest months and the people crave light. Today, it is a celebration of light and all things Christmas. I find that fascinating!

So let us think about our own light. The light that we see in the Christmas lights, the light that we share with our love, and the Ultimate Light of Jesus Christ. These are important to remember in our own winter months. How do you want to show your light?

As always, good luck and happy hunting.