Cozy Scandinavian Christmas Traditions To Try This Year

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves drawn to the warm and cozy traditions of Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. There's something undeniably charming about the way the Scandinavians celebrate Christmas, with their emphasis on simplicity, natural beauty, and time spent with loved ones. If you're looking to add a little Scandinavian flair to your holiday celebrations this year, here are some cozy Christmas traditions to try:

Lucia Day: A Festival of Light

In Scandinavian countries, December 13th marks the beginning of the Christmas season with Lucia Day, a festival of light that celebrates the arrival of longer days. On this day, children dress up in white robes and crowns of candles to sing Christmas carols and distribute treats to family and friends. You can bring a little Lucia magic into your own home by making a traditional Scandinavian Christmas crown, complete with candles and evergreen branches.

How to Celebrate Lucia Day at Home

• Create a festive atmosphere by dimming the lights and lighting candles throughout your home.
• Make traditional Scandinavian Christmas treats, such as pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies) or saffron buns.
• Gather your family and friends to sing Christmas carols and exchange small gifts.

Julbord: A Traditional Scandinavian Christmas Feast

Julbord, or "Christmas table," is a beloved Scandinavian tradition that involves gathering around the table to share a feast of traditional dishes, such as meatballs, gravlax, and risalamande (a sweet rice pudding). You can bring a little Julbord magic into your own home by hosting a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas dinner party.

Traditional Scandinavian Christmas Dishes to Try

• Meatballs: made with ground beef and pork, served with lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers.
• Gravlax: thinly sliced smoked salmon, served with boiled potatoes and a mustard-dill sauce.
• Risalamande: a sweet rice pudding made with almonds, cherries, and whipped cream.

Hygge: The Art of Cozy Christmas Decorating

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish concept that roughly translates to "coziness" or "contentment." When it comes to Christmas decorating, hygge is all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites relaxation and togetherness. You can bring a little hygge into your own home by incorporating natural elements, such as evergreen branches, pinecones, and candles, into your Christmas decor.

Hygge Christmas Decorating Tips

• Use natural elements, such as evergreen branches and pinecones, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Incorporate warm lighting, such as candles and string lights, to create a sense of warmth and comfort.
• Keep your decor simple and uncluttered, focusing on a few special pieces that bring you joy.

Nordic Christmas Cookies: A Delicious Tradition

Baking Christmas cookies is a beloved tradition in Scandinavian countries, where sweet treats like pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies) and brunkager (brown cookies) are made with love and care to share with family and friends. You can bring a little Nordic magic into your own home by baking a batch of traditional Scandinavian Christmas cookies.

Traditional Scandinavian Christmas Cookies to Try

• Pepparkakor: gingerbread cookies made with molasses and spices.
• Brunkager: brown cookies made with brown sugar and spices.
• Krumkaker: thin, crisp cookies made with flour, sugar, and eggs.

Conclusion

As you can see, Scandinavian Christmas traditions are all about simplicity, natural beauty, and time spent with loved ones. Whether you're looking to add a little Lucia magic to your holiday celebrations or simply want to try some delicious Nordic Christmas cookies, there's something for everyone in the world of Scandinavian Christmas traditions. So why not give one (or two, or three!) of these cozy traditions a try this year, and see how they can bring a little more joy and warmth into your holiday season?