Bergstrom Family Christmas Party...

December 16

Our Bergstrom family Christmas party was really special this year because we decided to have a little program. My Mom's side of the family is from Sweden, so the Santa Lucia is a tradition that the family has participated in for years and years. My Great Grandma (Farmor) and my Grandma (Mormor) had the opportunity to actually represent Santa Lucia in Sweden. My Uncle Neal (who is the only child, I believe, of my Grandma and Grandpa that speaks Swedish. He also served his mission there) told the story of the Santa Lucia. Most of the great grand kids don't know of the tradition and haven't heard the story.

The festival of Santa Lucia begins before dawn, on the thirteenth of December, which was the longest night of the year. Throughout Sweden, the eldest daughter in each household comes to her sleeping parents, dressed in a long white gown tied with a red sash, and wearing a crown of lingonberry leaves in which are set seven lighted candies. In her hands she carries a tray of steaming hot coffee and "Lussekattor" (Lucia Runs). The procession includes her sisters and brothers also dressed in white, holding lighted candles, and singing of the light and joy of Christmas.

This year Kaylee was able to play the part of the younger Santa Lucia. She helped demonstrated the importance of each peice that is worn and why. As my Aunt and Uncle sang the Santa Lucia song, she was able to proceed in with my cousin Hannah with their lighted candles. It was so incredible to see her! Although she was a little nervous about the candles burning her head, she loved it! This is a tradition I want to start in our own family.

As we waited for the girls to change we were serenaded by one of my favorite singers...my brother. He is seriously so talented! 

 My Mom brought chimes for the adults to play. It was seriously comical trying to figure those out. I'm not sure our songs were played out as they were supposed to?!?

And last but not least the grand kids were able to participate in the Nativity Scene. It was a great way to remind us of the importance of Christmas and appreciate the heritage that we come from.