Hej!

Apologies for the radio silence. I’ve been juggling a busy semester and some technical issues that kept me from replying to comments last time. But I’m back, so grab a fika and settle in!

Surviving the Swedish Winter Darkness

Even in southern Sweden the winter days are short. On the solstice, the sun rose at 8:29 AM and set at 3:17 PM with the sun hanging low on the horizon. So how do Swedes cope with the darkness?

• Light it up: Candles and lights are everywhere, from adventsljus (advent candles) to stjärnljus (star lanterns). These paper lanterns are a childhood craft staple, though I admit I bought mine from a department store. Regular candles and lamps also suffice, as long as they’re placed near windows to help light up the night!

  

• Embrace the cozy: Swedes lean into mysig (cozy) vibes with warm lighting, baked goods, and seasonal traditions.

Holiday Highlights: Lucia, Glögg, and Julmust

Lucia Day (December 13): Sweden’s answer to winter darkness is Luciadagen, a festival of light with candlelit processions (luciatåg). A local girl (traditionally blonde) dresses as Saint Lucia, wearing a candle crown while singing. Sadly, I missed the church ceremony since tickets were sold out, but I did watch it on TV!

Food & Drink:

• Glögg: Spiced, mulled wine (with or without alcohol), served hot with saffron buns (saffransbullar). Saffron is everywhere. Even at pharmacy checkouts!

• Julmust: A Christmas soda that outsells Coca-Cola in December. It’s… an acquired taste (I found it medicinal).

  

• Julskum: Strawberry-flavored foam candy shaped like Santa. This year’s limited-edition orange caramel? Not my favorite. I’ll stick to the original.

  

Christmas Eve (Julafton):

• The main event! Swedes eat dinner, open gifts, and—without fail—watch Donald Duck at 3 PM sharp. (Yes, really.)

• Dinner spread: Cold dishes first (herring with mustard sauce, gravlax salmon), then hot dishes (ham, potatoes, roasted veggies). See the photo below. It was quite the feast!

My Swedish Christmas on Öland

I spent Christmas on Öland (the island next to Kalmar) with friends. Here are the Highlights:

• We took a scenic hike with local history lessons about the early Viking settlements.

• We played games by the fireplace while enjoying Christmas candy and hot cocoa.

• The julbord (Christmas buffet)—where I discovered I do like pickled herring (specifically the mustard sauce).

Now that it’s almost February, the days are lengthening. The sunrise is at 8 AM, and the sunset after 4 PM with the sun slowly making its way higher and higher each day.

P.S. Here is a photo of the Christmas tree in the town square.

Stay Cozy,

Iman