I am praying for all of you as we await the Light of the World.

The feast of St. Lucy or better known in my Italian family as Santa Lucia, is the day our family traditionally sets up our outdoor Christmas light display. 

It is one of the events we look forward to as we build towards Christmas.

Growing up in my Italian family, this is the day, each year, we would light our Christmas tree too! 

We had an artificial tree because real ones were just too pricey for my New York City family, no balsam growing in Brooklyn and Queens, haha! However, it didn’t matter that the tree was not real, the minute the lights went on we held our breath in awe and wonder!

In our family we have celebrated a Swedish tradition each year, as I had a Swedish uncle too. The oldest daughter, in our case it is always our Anne  (pictured above – she is now fully grown and still wakes early to sweeten the lives of her co-workers and friends), who woke early to make breakfast treats and hot cocoa.

She would don her battery-operated, candle wreath, no real candles for this momma, and served the entire family breakfast in bed. The honor has passed down through the years to the next daughter in line, only to fall back to Anne again, all grown and the family baker!

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Here are some terrific EASY ideas for St. Lucy celebrations with your family!

Firstly, spend time together discovering who St. Lucy is and what does she have to do with light. Hint, Lucy means “light.” 

Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) was born in Syracuse, Sicily, in 283 AD and was martyred at the age of 20. Her feast day, the 13th of December is a big celebration all over the world. 

As she was an early Christian martyr there are several versions of her story. Here’s a spoiler, her eyes on a plate have something to do with the story. A miracle ensued and for her martyrdom she wears a heavenly crown.

Watch this lovely video explaining the traditions surrounding this feast day and its association with Advent.

Here is the famous song Santa Lucia:

Santa Lucia – English Translation

Night comes with heavy steps through our land, calling.
Sunlight, the earth forgets; shadows are falling.
However dark the night, rising with candles bright,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Though long may be the night, hope, she is bringing,
Hear now, the maid in white, silently winging,
Hushed wonder in the air, Lights glowing in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

“The darkness soon shall flee valleys in shadow,
Sunlight I can foresee, over over the meadows,
The sun will come again! Rise in the sky to reign!”
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Translated from Swedish by Tamsyn Spackman.

Here is a lovely musical version:

St. Lucy Fast Facts and Activities:

•  Her story, prayers, many recipes including a St. Lucy crown, traditions from different countries, activities and party ideas that can be easily added to your Advent celebration of St. Lucy.
• Coloring pages, song, puppets and puzzle that are fast and fun
• Here is an ENTIRE Pinterest board dedicated to St. Lucia with tons of resources including recipes, and free downloads:

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The book, A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz is my go to source for family traditions.

It not only is my best source to live the liturgical year it has recipes that simply do not disappoint! 

Starting on page 107, there is St. Lucy’s story and a great recipe for St. Lucy’s crown (we have made it many times- yum!). On page 109 you will find the recipe for Swedish St. Lucy ginger snaps (trying it this year) and lest we forget the adults, on page 110 one can find the recipe for Swedish mulled wine.

A fruitful and blessed Advent to all of you!!