A Season of Lights

Not only is it 12-13-14 but it is also the feast day of Santa Lucia, the patron saint of light. We celebrate most holidays and Santa Lucia Day is one of our favorites. It is interesting that a young martyr from Italy has become the center of a Swedish holiday. It is fitting, however that as the days grow darker, lights become more important.

Santa Lucia is important in the central California Valley city of Kingsburg where I live. The Festival of Lights Parade was held last week and Santa Lucia with a crown of candles led the way followed by young girls dressed in white gowns tied with a red ribbon at the waist. Boys also wore white but had large cone shaped hats covered with stars. They sang and held lit candles in their procession.

 

So, today is the “official” Santa Lucia Day. Kirsten from the American Girl collection made her annual visit.

 

We started the day with Puff Pancakes which are super easy for kids to make. You need:

1/2 stick of butter   (4 Tablespoons)

4 eggs

1 cup low fat milk

1 cup flour

Divide the butter and put into 2 cake pans. Put the pans in the oven to melt the butter.

Put the eggs, milk and flour in a blender and blend until it is well mixed.

Pour the batter into the 2 pans on top of the butter. Bake for 20 minutes until they are puffed up and golden brown.

Top with powdered sugar, fruit preserves or applesauce.

 

Then, it was off to town. I met with darling Audrey for lunch at Diane’s Village Cafe where we ate Swedish sandwiches:

The one on the left is cucumber and ham. The one on the right is turkey on lingonberry preserves.

 

We walked a bit through town: 

We love this Dala Horse.

The Svensk Butik is filled with all things Swedish.

Traditional Lussi Katter

I bought these Swedish candle lights to put in my front window. Don’t they look welcoming? I love the way they glow and make the room all cozy.

Now it is raining and we’ll settle into the comfy couch and read books by Jan Brett as a lovely ending to a lovely day.