Första Advent (1st Advent Sunday)

December is almost here and November has been a long dark month,especially with NO SNOW and with very few hours of daylight. By about 2.30pm the sun drops out of sight.  In Sweden the First Sunday of Advent comes as an eagerly awaited sign that Jul (Christmas) is fast approaching.

In the North of Sweden, where the midnight sun shines almost constantly in the summer, the sun never rises above the horizon at this time of year.  "It'll soon turn" Swedish people tell one another.  The Midwinter solstice, on 21st December, (the shortest day of the year) is just around the corner, and the days will once again begin to get lighter.

The 1st Sunday of Advent, is Countdown to Christmas, on the first Sunday, people light the first candle in the Advent Candlestick, with great ceremony.  This is always a very special event that is eagerly awaited.  Each Sunday until Christmas a candle is lit, until all four candles are alight.  As each candle is lit the children become more excited.  On Swedish T.V., there is a special  Christmas Calendar show for the young children with 24 episodes, counting down to Christmas Day.

Throughout Sweden Advent stars and electrical candlesticks are put in the windows.

This is our

 STJARNEN (STAR)

Taking pride of Place

In many towns and cities across Sweden, JUL MARKNAD, (christmas markets) and fairs are very popular selling, local handicrafts and produce as well as decorations.  In Swedish homes people start baking in prepartaion for the holiday.

Glogg and Pepparkakor this is  a hot spicy mulled wine with blanched almonds and raisins and (Gingerbread Snaps) to accompany it.  This is usually prepared and drank and eaten on the 1st Sunday of Advent, when many Swedes get together to celebrate. You can also get an alcohol free version of Glogg for the children!

For my English family and friends check-out IKEA they sell it....

Har en bra forsta Advent!