You may have heard of popular winter holidays such as Christmas, Hannuka, and Kwanzaa. But have you ever heard of a holiday called St. Lucia's Day? I hadn't until only recently when my mom returned from a holiday in Sweden. St. Lucia's Day is celebrated in Sweden. It is named after the patron saint of the blind.

In the 3rd century AD, they tried to burn her, although they were unsuccessful. St. Lucia's Day represents the end of the darkest days in Sweden and the longing for more sunshine. It is the symbol of light and a happier season to come.

On this day, the eldest daughter in a family wakes up early in the morning, before anyone else is awake. She dresses in white and wears a crown of lighted candles. She carries a tray of raisin buns and wakes each member of the family with a song.

Today, St. Lucia's Day is more a community celebration with all the young men and women wearing white and carrying candles, singing in the streets. Although St. Lucia's Day is not an official holiday, it is still celebrated by many. In Sweden where they speak Swedish, St. Lucia in Swedish is translated to "Sankta Lucia". St. Lucia's Day is also the mark of the beginning of Advent, the beginning of the Christmas season in Scandanavia.

I think you've earned your two pence worth, so I'm going to leave you with a little good cheer. Merry Christmas! Happy Hannuka! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays! And a big happy Sankta Lucia's!

- Lucky710 -