The Newbie Guide to Sweden

We explain Sweden

christmas

Advent Calendar Dec 24 – Kalle Anka

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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 together glued to a program that generations have been watching since 1959. This shows’ cultural significance cannot be overstated.

Watching the Walt Disney special, “From all of us, to all of you” is one of the three most popular TV events of the year, with a staggering 40-50% of the population tuning in. It’s as much a part of a Swedish Christmas as having a Christmas tree!

To give you a heads-up this is not just for kids, age really doesn’t matter. Another unwritten rule is that nobody eats or prepares dinner during this hour. In fact, most families’ entire Christmas eve will be planned around Kalle Anka. No julbord or visits from Tomten (Santa) until after the show! 

The history of Kalle Anka in Sweden

Back in 1959 Sweden literally had one TV channel. Christmas was the only opportunity to see Disney or, in fact, any other cartoons. Norway, Denmark and Finland also share this tradition making it a truly Nordic phenomenon.

Over the years, any attempts or suggestions to cancel the show or alter the times has always been strongly opposed. We believe this tradition is here to stay!

So, a word of warning newbies. Even if you don’t watch yourselves, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone to do anything with at 3pm on Julafton! We suggest you tune into SVT1*, sit back, relax, put your feet up and enjoy……..You’d be quackers not to!!!

*note – you cannot stream this after the aired time. Due to licensing agreements with Disney the show is only shown (in full) live on SVT 1.

Advent Calendar Dec 23 – Julvärd

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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 come to rely upon having the comfort and company of a friendly, familiar face throughout the day. The Christmas host is always a respected TV personality, someone who brings humour and Christmas spirit whilst offering some reflection and perspective over the years world events.

Julvärd before and now

Since 2003 a different celebrity has been chosen annually. Prior to this a gentleman called Arne Weise hosted the show live for 30 years from 1972-2002. In an interview before his death in 2019 Weise stated that his job as Sweden’s Christmas host was the highlight of his career, although his absence from his family every julafton took its toll. I guess we could say that his family’s loss was the nation’s gain!

Babben Larsson, actress and comedian, will be this year’s Christmas host. Babben’s chosen theme is ‘The relaxed Christmas’. Sounds just perfect, doesn’t it? Why don’t you tune in and find out!

Advent Calendar Dec 22 – Janssons frestelse

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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 published in 1940 although it is suggested that it was named after a food-loving opera singer called Mr Jansson in the early 1900’s. Whatever its history it’s as popular today as ever.

So, here is your shopping list for Janssons frestelse

  • 450g floury potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 1 small tin of anchovies (spice-cured sprats) This is the game changing ingredient, although our advice is to keep this a secret until your guests have tried the dish, it can sound a little off putting- but trust us, once its cooked nobody will suspect anything!!
  • 150ml whipping cream
  • Breadcrumbs, butter and salt and pepper

Let’s get cooking

  • Preheat your oven to around 220 c.
  • Peel your potatoes and cut into thin discs or strips, whichever you prefer.
  • Peel your onion, slice thinly and fry lightly in some butter to soften.
  • Drain the brine from the ansjovis and mix with cream. Cut your anchovies into small pieces.
  • Grease an oven proof baking dish and layer potatoes, onions and anchovies. Season with every layer.
  • Finally pour over your cream, spiced brine mixture, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and dot the surface with small pieces of butter.
  • Bake for 60-75 mins 

And since we couldn’t find a free image of it, here is a link to a recipe at Ica with a lovely image plus instructions:-)

Enjoy!! 

Advent Calendar Dec 21 – Julskinka

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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 preserving with salt were popular. Sausages, meatballs even blood pudding came from the Christmas pig. 

Aside from the ham there are a few dated delicacies that still show up on julbord today. 

  • Pigs’ feet (grisfötter) are salted pigs’ trotters are simmered for several hours until tender and eaten off the bone. If that doesn’t appeal you can try them served in aspic or how about jellied pigs’ feet?
  • Dopp I grytan is the broth in which the meat is cooked. Dipping bread in the pot was a tradition so widespread that Christmas Eve was often called “dopparedagen” or dipping day!!
  • Ribs were readily available and were a tasty addition to the Christmas table, sometimes still are today.

These days julskinka is considered an indispensable part of the julsmorgasbord. Delicious, moist and tender, the ham is coated in mustard, egg yolks and breadcrumbs and oven baked to perfection. Check out this julskinka recipe

It’s possible to buy these cooked from any Swedish supermarket. But we suggest cooking your own and filling your home with the unmistakable aroma of warm spices. Undeniably Christmassy. 

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.

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:-)