St. Lucia Fest

On Stage Again

My beautiful sister-in-law in Swedish bunad and my brother in his dashing Norwegian sweater
 giving away the raffle prizes

Saint Lucia Day is a day celebrated in Scandinavia just before Christmas.  There is a Swedish Club in my brother's area which has a big party every year for their St. Lucia celebration.

My sister-in-law plays as the children "dance" around the Christmas tree singing carols

Rehearsals for this program, in which all the children participate, teach the Swedish language and traditions to the next generation.

Lovely Lucia girls make a dramatic entrance with their candles

 It's a lot of fun, a lot of hard work, and a good time for all.

The Lucia Girls and Star Boys sing Swedish Carols

 I'm glad the kids have a chance to learn the Christmas songs I sang growing up.

After the program, a feeding frenzy!

I'm glad that my niece and nephews have had the opportunity to learn something of our Scandinavian roots through programs like this.  It's a fun way to get a cultural heritage lesson.

Teaching your own cultural heritage to your children helps them to have a sense of belonging and helps them to know something of their ancestors, if only in a small way.

Americans have a diverse heritage.  We come from so many countries all over the world, but we embrace a culture of freedom and representative government.

As we enjoy this wonderful Christmas season, it's fun to see all the traditions that combine from divergent cultures, to make this such a wonderful country.

What traditions do you enjoy from your cultural heritage?