Julafton vs juldag. Christmas Eve or Christmas day? When will you be celebrating this year?
If you find yourself in Sweden this Christmas just remember that the main event is celebrated on December 24th and it’s called julafton.
Christmas Eve is one of the oldest holidays and has always been the day to socialise, the day of the julbord, Kalle Anka and the giving and receiving of presents. Swedes have always regarded juldag (Christmas Day) as a holy day. It is a tranquil day of rest and reflection, eating leftovers and relaxing at home after the frivolities of the day before.
Can you celebrate both?
If you are a newbie in Sweden and you come from a country that celebrates on the 25th then you can make the best of both days! We know for example, that the majority of the 25,000 Brits living in Sweden will be tucking into a traditional julbord on julafton whilst roasting a turkey, making stuffing and peeling vegetables and potatoes for the following day!
As a newbie, we can view Christmas from the perfect vantage point, what an exciting opportunity to amalgamate traditions and cultures. To share our stories and experiences from Christmases past and to marry our ideals for Christmases yet to come.
So, julafton vs juldag – Christmas eve or Christmas day? We’re going to embrace both and we think that you all should too!