Advertisement

Ten must-read articles to understand Swedish Christmas

The Local Sweden
The Local Sweden - [email protected]
Ten must-read articles to understand Swedish Christmas
Swedish-themed decorations adorn a Christmas tree. Photo: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se

New in Sweden, or simply curious about some of the country's festive traditions? Here are ten articles from The Local's archives to tell you all you need to know about how Sweden celebrates the Christmas season.

Advertisement

How to beat the Swedish winter blues

As Swedes struggle through the shortest days of the year, contributor Alec Forss offers up a few tips on how to survive the dark depths of winter in Sweden. It's at this time of year that some of us begin to wonder, with some justification, why on earth we live here. Click here to continue reading.


How do you fight the Swedish winter blues? Photo: Ted Logart/imagebank.sweden.se


15 magical Christmas markets in Sweden this year

Christmas markets are one of the best ways to add some light, warmth and festive cheer to the Swedish winter. The Local takes a look at 15 of the best across the country to get you in a festive mood. For members: click here to continue reading.

The Local's guide to Lucia in Sweden

Another enduring tradition that brings some much needed light into Sweden's winter darkness is Lucia, celebrated on December 13th each year. The Local's James Savage explains the history of the holiday and how it's marked in Sweden today. Click here to continue reading.


A Lucia celebration at the Gustav Vasa church in Stockholm. Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se


The words and phrases you need to know to survive a Swedish Christmas

The festive season is a time when even the most well-integrated foreigner can feel like an outsider, miles from home with a set of traditions, recipes, and songs familiar to everyone but you. Knowing this holiday vocabulary will help you get through the season a bit more easily. Click here to continue reading.

The words and phrases you need to know to survive a Swedish Christmas

Stockholm's Old Town at Christmas. Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Five Swedish winter recipes to warm you up this Christmas

Hearty food is the best antidote to winter gloom, so why not try cooking up a selection of traditional Swedish recipes for the holiday season? We've compiled five of our favourites. Click here to continue reading.


A hearty meal at Christmas. Photo: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se


The Swedish 'julbord': a beginner's guide

No Swedish-style Christmas is complete without a julbord buffet. Food blogger Maia Brindley Nilsson talked us through what goes into making the perfect Swedish Christmas meal: perfect preparation if you'll be attending any julbords this winter, or are even planning to host your own. Click here to continue reading.


A Swedish julbord can take many forms. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/SCANPIX/TT


Swedish Christmas: The Local's essential guide

Did you know Swedes celebrate Christmas on December 24th, or that Donald Duck plays a central role in the festivities? Learn everything you need to know about how the day unfolds with The Local's ultimate guide to Swedish Christmas. Click here to continue reading.


Do you know how to celebrate Christmas "the Swedish way"? Photo: Gorm Kallestad/NTB scanpix/TT


16 traditions you need to follow to fake being a Swede at Christmas

Essential reading for anyone with Swedish family events to attend this year, especially newbies to the country. The Swedes have no shortage of quirky traditions, and following these 16 (or at least being prepared for them) will help you fit in around Christmas. Click here to continue reading.


Photo: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se

How to celebrate New Year's Eve like a Swede: six essential traditions

It's not just at Christmas that Swedes do things a little differently - here's what you need to know about New Year celebrations in Sweden. Featuring kebab pizza and Ivanhoe. Click here to continue reading.


If you know where this is from, you are a true Swede. Photo: SVT

Six Swedish ways to get over the post-New Year blues

When the festive season comes to an end, the dark days can make January a rough time. Plan to start 2019 off on a positive note by considering adopting some of these Swedish habits to overcome the New Year blues? Click here to continue reading.


Fireworks over Stockholm. Photo: Anders Wiklund/TT


 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also