The Newbie Guide to Sweden

We explain Sweden

The Newbie Team

Advent Calendar Dec 20 – Julafton vs Juldag

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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! 

Advent Calendar Dec 19 – Bingolotto

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Bingolotto is fun at any time of the year and it is adored by Swedes as much as anyone else. Bingolotto is a prime-time TV show aired weekly. It’s wonderfully entertaining, with live music, interesting guests, well-known artists and of course BINGO!

You have probably noticed in Sweden that at Easter and New Year there are also Bingolotto special broadcasts but none is more popular than TV4’s Christmas special. It’s broadcast live every year on December 23rd.

Imagine the night before Christmas Eve; all the final preparations for the big day are done, baking, gift-wrapping even cooking the Julskinka (Christmas ham)…

…families and friends gather around the TV, bingo cards in hand, ready to take part in the Bingo game of the year! Will they win anything? Which charity will receive surplus profits?!

At the Newbie Guide we love this date in the calendar. A really worthwhile fundraising event. It’s amazing to know that all the surplus profits (in recent years, upwards of 60m sek each year) from ticket sales go directly to Swedish clubs, associations, organisations and confederations, benefiting everyone.

So, here’s your chance to celebrate Christmas and win millions!

Do you have the skill, strategy or luck to be a winner this year?

If you fancy a shot at the jackpot, tune into Bingolotto at TV4.

Lycka till!! 

Photo copyrights: Bingolotto. Photographer: Mathias Otterberg

Advent Calendar Dec 18 – Julbord

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Food Glorious food, the Swedish julbord is bursting with it.

In Sweden it would be absolute folly not to embrace their most extravagant and lavish dining experience of the year. The Swedish smorgasbord, namely the Julbord.

So, what can we expect? Expect a banquet like no other. You haven’t lived until you have worked your way through the myriad of dishes and Swedish delicacies on offer always served buffet style.

If you are thinking of preparing your own Julbord this year, let us help you to prepare like a pro. Here’s our suggested Newbie menu.

Start with a welcome Glögg and don’t forget to offer your guests julöl and snaps throughout.

In the beginning

Herring (known as sill) – Pickled and marinaded, usually prepared in two or three different ways. Senap (mustard) sill & glasmästarsill (preserved in a see-through brine).

Round two- keeping it fishy

Salmon, Crayfish, prawns, fish pate. Serve your salmon (Lax) hot, cold, smoked or boiled. Gravad Lax is really popular, often served with hovmästarasås (a mustard and dill sauce).

Something smoky

Time for all the cold smoked meats, maybe you’ll go for smoked reindeer, wild boar or moose sausage, often accompanied by a classic beetroot or apple, celery and walnut salad.

The hot stuff

Meatballs (köttbullar), prinskorv (small sausage), Janssons frestelse (Swedish potato dish with anchovies) Långkål (creamed Kale) and not forgetting the Julskinka (Christmas Ham)

Desserts

Risgrynsgröt (rice pudding) is popular but it’s fair to say here, all Swedes have their family favourites, so you decide. Dessert is always followed with Julgodis (Christmas Candies)

Our top newbie tip is to pace yourself, often Swedes like to return to the julbord over and over. If you don’t get a chance to try everything on Christmas Eve, don’t worry because what Swedes enjoy most is eating the leftovers on Christmas Day.

Read more about julbord in Sweden written by newbie Nidhi Dhingra.

Advent Calendar Dec 17 – Julverkstad

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Have you noticed julverkstad or Christmas craft workshops are popping up everywhere and seem more popular than ever.

Swedes are known to be an active bunch but are they equally creative and crafty? We’d say so! Swedish schools, libraries, SFI groups and Christmas markets right across the country are offering an opportunity to put your sewing, wood carving and bauble painting skills to the test!

A chance to turn your hand to wreath making, flower arranging, and making your own tree decorations. “Crafting” definitely seems to be the new thing! Age and ability doesn’t matter. What we think is important is seizing every opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit.

A little history…

It was during the late 1800’s that commercial Christmas decorations became available in the larger Swedish cities, the finest being imported from Germany. Prior to that the only decorations were live candles or hanging fruit and often garlands made from paper or straw. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that people could afford shop bought presents. Handcrafted gifts were the most common gifts before then.

Check out these Christmas craft ideas for some Christmas craft inspiration and as this years gift (åretsjulklapp) is the knitted gift. Perhaps you can get friends together and try your hand at some lovely homemade Christmas gifts.

How To Learn Swedish Through Games

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Learning a new language is not the easiest, and especially not when it comes to learning Swedish. Today, around 20% of the Swedish population is foreign-born, which means that there has always been a strong need for people to learn the language. Thanks to this, many new different approaches have been developed. Sitting with paper, pen and a book is considered a thing of the past. Of course, it can still play a role in learning, but you don’t need to focus on only one way anymore.

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The best thing is that you get to try out a few ideas and see which one suits you the best. Among all the innovative ways of learning new languages, one which is definitely quite interesting and interactive is through the games. Read below a few tips on how to learn Swedish in a fun way.

Learning Swedish through games

For many years, people have been debating what is the ideal approach to learn. We won’t claim that this is the only possible way, but learning Swedish through games is undoubtedly amusing and efficient. Many people can serve as an example for using various games as a helpful tool for improving their foreign language skills. 

Moreover, there are studies that indicate game contribution to language development. If you want to improve your language skills, the focus cannot entirely be on games. However, combining it with other, proven, forms of learning, you will be able to use it as a supplement. Below, we listed a few game suggestions that may enhance your language learning. 

Language apps

Most obvious on this list are surely language games and language apps. This type of entertainment might not necessarily be perceived as gaming. However, many of them have multiple gaming aspects and in our eyes that is enough to count as a game. Shown as people’s favorite app is most certainly Duolingo. On this app, you can not only learn Swedish, but you have the opportunity to learn any language that you show interest in. Starting at the basic level, you get the chance to improve your language and reach higher levels of the game.

Casino games

Even though slightly unexpected, casino games can play a big role in improving your language. The game experience itself may not contribute to developing new language skills, but other factors should be taken into consideration. While playing card games you get a chance to dive into the whole casino experience by communicating with your opponents, which can be a perfect chance to test your language. 

If you find games like jackpot and slots amusing, you will be happy to hear that you can choose to play them entirely in Swedish. In this way you not only test your luck, but also your knowledge of language. If this sounds interesting, you can take a look at https://svenskacasinon.com/spel/slots/jackpot and try one of their awesome jackpots. In this way, you will learn how the Swedish language can be used in real life.

Multiplayer games

Last, but not least, on the list we present multiplayer games. The previously mentioned casino games can be considered as such, but the important thing is that in multiplayer games you can make contact with other players while playing the game. By chatting with other players, your language is put to the test and you get the chance to develop it in a relaxed environment.

Learn how language works in a real context

The main benefit of games is that they teach you how to utilize words in everyday situations. Whether the game is narrated in Swedish, or you start communication with other Swedish players, it can significantly help you improve your language skills. Relying only on books, you may have some difficulties applying what you have learned in real life. In conclusion, we may say that games can play a significant role in education. Give it a shot.

Advent Calendar Dec 16 – Julbocken

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Julbocken – a Christmas goat?? You have goat to be kidding me!!!!! We couldn’t talk about advent here in Sweden without giving julbocken a mention.

People used to believe that the ‘yule’ goat was an invisible spirit that would appear before Christmas to ensure that all the holiday preparations were done. The goat eventually took the role of a gift giver and is sometimes seen alongside Santa. (Tomten)

The tradition dates back thousands of years and it’s still relevant today.

Gävle Julbocken

The world’s largest straw goat has been built in Gävle every year on the first Sunday in advent. This has taken place since 1966. It is thirteen metres high, seven metres long and weighs 3.6 tonnes. One thousand man hours are needed for its construction. WOW!

The goat was intended to attract customers to the local shops and restaurants but has now become a worldwide celebrity. @gavlebocken has 12,3k global friends on Instagram.

If you are curious to find out more, the Gävlebocken has a fan page filled with fun and interesting facts.

The burning of julbocken

The julbock in Gävle has been destroyed or damaged a shocking thirty-eight times over the past fifty-six years being subjected to repeated arson attacks. Needless to say, the security becomes more intense and more costly each year. 

Most Swedish homes have their own julbock (made of hay and bound together with red ribbon) in their collection of decorations, supposed to symbolise fertility and good luck, they are usually placed at the entrance of people’s homes to greet guests.

So, if you don’t manage to get to Gävle this year, you can buy these decorations everywhere! Maybe you can have your very own julbocken at home.

Advent Calendar Dec 15 – Julkonsert

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Julkonsert, how we missed you! After a couple of years of social distancing and cancelled large scale events we are anticipating that Christmas concerts (julkonsert) will make a huge come back this year!

A Christmas concert (Julkonsert) can be the perfect way of embracing that magical Christmas feeling. Children’s concerts, church choirs, orchestras in city halls, galas, comedy clubs, casinos  and even circuses all offering their own Christmas shows.

You can see which Julkonserts are happening in your area here or you can simply google the name of your town and the word julkonsert and you will have plenty of options to chose from.

Julbord

Swedish companies often they show employees their appreciation by arranging festive parties with a julbord and a julkonsert.

So, what type of music can we expect? Julmusik comes in many guises. Classic, quirky and somewhat more serious. If you are an English speaker, you’ll notice that a lot of the carols are translated versions of the old classics. Here are links to some we are sure you will recognise… 

Ok, you know the tunes, why not learn the Swedish lyrics. Another top newbie tip for improving your Swedish vocabulary this Christmas!

Advent Calendar Dec 14 – Julmusik

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Julmusik is in the air. We’re sure you already know that Sweden is one of the world’s leading exporters of popular music. From the success of Roxette, Ace of Base and ABBA (who became one of the most successful pop groups of all time) to recent superstars Zara Larsson and Avicii. Sweden over the years has most definitely been dealt its fair share of household names.

Swedish producers and songwriters are amongst the global elite who collaborate with some of the most famous international artists today. One big name to look out for is Max Martin.

So, it’s Christmas and it will come as no surprise that Sweden boasts an extensive and varied range of festive music guaranteed to fill our snow boots with Christmas cheer!

Sweden’s Christmas classics

Much the same as in other countries across the world music is so important to Swedes at Christmas time. Carol music communicates messages of peace and love and often tell the Christmas story. Christmas music sparks happy memories, brings all ages together and whether we’re singing whilst decorating the Christmas tree, watching our favourite pop artist blast out Christmas tunes or joining a congregation for a church service, it brings so much joy to us all.

It’s almost impossible to narrow it down but here are five of our best loved newbie picks. Of course, all sang by Swedish artists.

  1. Välkommen hem – E.M.D 
  2. Jul, Jul strålande jul –  Carola Häggkvist 
  3. Jag kommer hem igen till jul – Peter Jöback
  4. Fira jul med mig – Linnea Henriksson
  5. Stad I ljus – Tommy Körberg

If you are looking for some background music to play whilst tucking in to your julbord this year then here is a link to twenty of the most played julsånger of 2022.

And if you are a fan of Swedish julmusik, please let us know your favorite in the comments.

Advent Calendar Dec 13 – Lucia

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December 13th Lucia day is often known as Saint Lucy’s Day and is a celebration of light at the time of year when this part of the world is at its darkest. We thought you may be interested in a little Lucia history, which dates back to the fourth century. A warning though if you are squeamish. Do not read on!!!!!!

Saint Lucia was born in Sicily and the myth is that her parents wanted her to marry a man who she despised. In protest, it is said that she poked out her own eyes and sent them on a platter to the man. She blinded herself on what was known as the shortest, darkest day at that time. December 13th. The legend is that her eyes were miraculously restored by God. This date is seen as the beginning of the twelve days of Christmas, another milestone on our Advent calender. Nowadays, the Lucia tradition has become as integral to Swedish culture as midsummer and crayfish parties.

This celebration will be hard for you to miss. Schools, kindergartens, churches, town halls and care homes will be honouring this historic custom with their own Lucia services. Seeing is believing as the atmosphere created by these candlelit rituals is utterly mesmerising.

The ceremony involves a procession, which is led by ‘Lucia’ whose defining feature is the candlelit wreath resting on her head. The tradition is that Lucia wears a long, white gown. She is followed by children who carry candles and wear Lucia/Christmas costumes. The costumes vary between ginger bread people, Santa elfs, stars and there is usually a rebel with some kind of super hero costume.

Lucia songs

The procession will sing songs and usually serve some sort of fika afterwards. The traditional fika is Sweden’s most famous S shaped saffron buns – Lussekatter. Oh, and pepparkakor (ginger bread) of course.

In daycare and the early school years, it is tradition to start practicing the Lucia songs way in advance and parents are often encourage to practice with their kids at home. So if you want to prepare, here is a good list that’s been going on repeat for years in our home, aaaaaaall through December:-)

 

Advent Calendar Dec 12 – Musikhjälpen

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Musikhjälpen – don’t miss it, it starts TODAY!!!  From the 12th until 18th of December. A fabulous fundraising event which started in 2008. It stands for care, participation and joy whilst highlighting neglected human disasters, it’s a collaboration between P3 Sverige’s radio and SVT.  

This year’s fundraiser broadcasts live from today in Kungstorget, Göteborg. A whole week of entertainment from the iconic musikhjälpen glass cage. The three presenters, Oscar Zia, Tina Mehrafzoon och Klas Eriksson are locked in the cage, sleep deprived and with a limited food supply for the duration of the event. Tough going and endlessly good entertainment.

The event is filmed around the clock for a mind blowing 144 hours. It consists of non-stop entertainment, fun games and activities which makes it compulsive viewing for hundreds of thousands of viewers!

Musikhjälpen appeals to old and young alike. Artists and other guests visit the presenters in their glass cage and participate by for instance singing song requests from you, the audience. Celebrity memorabilia is auctioned, it’s even possible for you to bid for dinner dates with famous people! 

So, don’t be shy and make song requests and/or donations. This year’s theme is ‘En tryggare barndom på flykt från krig’ (for a safer childhood on the run from war)

You can read more about Musikhjälpen and how to donate here.

Photo copyrights: Klas Eriksson, Tina Mehrafzoon och Oscar Zia. Foto: Mattias Ahlm/Sveriges Radio

Advent Calendar Dec 11 – Årets julklapp

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Have you heard of årets julklapp? With less than two weeks to go before Christmas Eve, amongst other preparations you will no doubt be scouring Christmas markets, local shops and online for the perfect Christmas gifts (Julklapp). You may well have heard Swedes speculating as to what may or may not be nominated as årets julklapp – the gift most likely to represent current trends in Swedish society.

But what is årets julklapp really ? Well, let me tell you about it. Each year www.hui.se Sweden’s trade research institution analyses social trends which reflect Swedes current consumer behaviour and then they release details of the year’s predicted most popular purchases. The most popular Christmas gift.

Årets julklapp (this years Christmas gift) in 2022 is a somewhat unexpected one – the home knitted gift! So the big question now of course is…. how good is your knitting? And if it is non existing like mine, do we have time to learn enough to knit at least a nice hat? I sincerely hope so 🙂

Here’s a few examples of what made it to top of Sweden’s list in previous years, the very first was the baking machine back in 1988.

 Årets julklapp over the years – this list is a real sign of the times!!

  • 1990 The wok
  • 1996 Internet packet
  • 2000 DVD player
  • 2006 Audio books
  • 2017 Electric cycle
  • 2021 Event tickets (Tickets to the theatre, football matches, concerts and other live experiences)

See the entire list here and if you are looking for inspiration for other types of sustainable gifts (you know just in case your knitting isn’t quite there yet) then you can check out our post with 10 sustainable gift ideas for the holidays. 

Happy shopping!

Advent Calendar Dec 10 – Nobeldagen

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If you are a Newbie in Sweden you may want to read up on Nobeldagen. It is a major annual event here and has been since 1901. Every year, recipients and their immediate families arrive in Stockholm during what is known as Nobel week, with events building up to the main awards ceremony which is always held on December 10th, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel. 

This star-studded occasion is held in Stockholms impressive concert house with prizes being awarded in six categories. Given for intellectual achievement in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace and economics these awards are handed out by non-other than the Swedish King Carl XIV Gustaf.

Over the years, there have been a staggering nine hundred and eighty-six Nobel prize laureates. Interestingly, sixty-one of which went to women, two award winners declined the prize and four were forced by authorities to decline the prize. Three were under arrest at the time of the award, how bizarre that all of them were actually Nobel peace prize laureates! If facts, figures and statistics are your thing you can read up more on the Nobel prize official website.

Following the award ceremony, a formal dinner is held in Stockholms city hall. Much to the pleasure of proud Swedes, all of the events are televised. This is your opportunity to watch royalty, politicians and prize winners throughout the day. Televising this occasion also showcases our stunning capital city and its beautiful architecture putting Sweden on a world stage.

Steeped in tradition, every detail is reported on this glamorous and prestigious celebration. 

Did you know that Nobeldagen is what we call a flag day here in Sweden. The National flag is flown on all public flag poles and buildings. Hoisting of the Swedish flag on private flagpoles is also strongly encouraged.