What does Kalle Anka (Donald Duck) have to do with Christmas? As a newbie, you are excused from being well-versed in many of Sweden’s Christmas traditions. We suspect however, that this next one will come as quite a surprise! At 3pm on Julafton (Christmas Eve) for one hour, life across Sweden is paused. Families sit […]
advent calendar
Advent Calendar Dec 23 – Julvärd
Julvärd is an honoured role. Every year there are months of speculation as the Swedish nation awaits, in anticipation, of who will be announced as this year’s julvärd. The julvärd is the presenter who is chosen to host SVT’s julafton program of entertainment. The julvärd has been a long-standing tradition and since 1959. Sweden has […]
Advent Calendar Dec 22 – Janssons frestelse
Janssons frestelse, another favourite julbord recipe. Key ingredients are potatoes, onions, pickled sprats, breadcrumbs and cream. Only a handful of ingredients but you will be surprised how they come together, creating what we believe to be the tastiest potato dish ever!! Without question, this classic always features on a Swedish julbord, the recipe was first […]
Advent Calendar Dec 21 – Julskinka
It is time to talk about julskinka. The star of the Swedish julbord has to be the Christmas Ham. It’s been a tradition since the nineteenth century for farmers to start fattening their pigs for Christmas in the summer. The whole pig, once slaughtered, was utilised and, with limited refrigeration, the old methods such as […]
Advent Calendar Dec 20 – Julafton vs Juldag
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 […]