Santa Lucia Traditions

Swedish heritage extends from my mother's side and, with it, a plethora of traditions... straw ornaments on the tree, folk art paintings and Swedish oven pancakes. A favorite includes the celebration of Santa Lucia on December 13th (read more about it here or my mom's blog). In our family the celebration began early in the morning, an hour or two before dawn, the house lit only by candles and holiday lights. The oldest girl in the house would wake up first, don a white robe and candle wreath and, one-by-one, sing each family member awake, handing them a lit candle whilst carrying a tray of sweet pastries. Once we were all awake, we sang to each beloved Christmas decoration... the lit tree, the portrait of the Madonna and the creche. With the sun just peeking through, we would sit around the dining table and eat a yummy breakfast, reminded of the Spirit of Christmas and peace family brings. My family continues the tradition with their children and am excited to continue with my own. Ella Paris is the perfect Santa Lucia with her brothers as the star boys.

Although I didn't wear the white robe and candle wreath this year, we still celebrated with singing carols and eating yummy Swedish oven pancakes with whipped cream and raspberry jam. How do you make it, you ask?
Melt 4 pats of butter in a 400F oven
(be careful as not to let it burn!)

While the butter is melting, in a blender add:

4 eggs 2 cups of milk

4 tablespoons of sugar

1 /1/3 cups of flour

and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg

Blend until frothy.

Gently pour batter into heated, buttery pan and bake for 20-30 minutes at 400F. When they poof and pop on the edges, they're ready... serve right away for their yummiest!

Top with freshly whipped cream,
sour cream or raspberry jam.

Daniel, still sleepy-eyed, enjoying the first
of many Santa Lucia Days!

I sort of forgot there is only two of us.... :)

Happy Santa Lucia Day!