And yet, many visitors to Sweden around the Holidays attest to this being a season of light and joy.
Days are short
There’s no better time than Christmas time to get your feet wet when it comes to trying out Swedish traditions. Just like in America, Scandinavian Christmas celebrations have become more secular events during recent decades, opening up this festive time of year for everyone to enjoy, regardless of faith, nationality, or background. Leave it to the U.S. Swedes to know best how to brighten the darkest time of the year – A glass of glögg with raisins and almonds will keep you warm and cozy, as will a lussekatt (a saffron bun) dipped in strong coffee on Christmas morning. Whether you want to celebrate a full-scale Swedish Christmas with all its traditional trimmings, or just add a Swedish element to your own holiday, we have found that the Swedish newspaper in America, Nordstjernan, brings it all to your door.
Lucia in California
The sun is up for only hours
The Season of Light
A White Christmas
Photograph: Pär Domeij /S&A