St Lucia Day

Today is St. Lucia Day in Sweden, a day that celebrates the return of the light as December 13th was recognized as the winter solstice under the old Julian calendar. In our house that means I make lussekatter, casually known as lucia buns.

I made them yesterday, using this recipe, and they were simple to make and absolutely delicious, too. I did not wear a crown of candles on my head, nor did I wear a long white gown with a red sash, but I felt very clever and very Swedish anyway.

We ate some yesterday, shared some with Jack, put a bunch in the freezer and still saved some for this morning. I will be having one with my coffee, acknowledging my Swedish heritage and celebrating the return of the light.

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This Post Has 10 Comments

  2. Oh! I’m excited to check out this recipe. Thanks. I must admit, the real celebrating doesn’t happen until the actual turning of the light. Science nerds and what not, but any excuse to celebrate at this time of year is A-OK.

  3. Very nice! Those buns are just gorgeous. 🙂
    Y’know, my dad’s family is very Swedish, and during my childhood (when we still lived in the midst of my Swedish family) most of our holidays were heavy on the Swedish everything. But we never celebrated St. Lucia Day. Not once.

  4. Mmm … they look delicious! My father’s parents were born in Sweden and my grandmother used to tell me about St. Lucia Day. I always wanted to wear the crown, but it’s probably better that I didn’t!

  5. Yum, these look fabulous, Carole. I have not done any baking yet this year. Thanks for the inspiration.

  8. I had lunch with mom today and we talked about St Lucia. Her dad emigrated from Sweden and St Lucia was a big part of her growing up Christmas. She wore a crown of lit candles to wake up her family! I think your baked buns are a much better way to commemorate the day.

  9. I was an IKEA today and didn’t see a thing about this! Nor did I see any SWEDISH MEATBALLS… I don’t know what the world is coming to when IKEA is out of Swedish Meatballs (both in the cafeteria & in grocery)!

    Your buns look AMAZING!! 😉

  10. Those look really good! I have never tasted them, so thanks for the recipe — I’ll have to give it a try (even though there is zero Swedish ancestry in my family)!

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