Swedes, like many of us, gather friends and family to celebrate Christmas. On December 13th they celebrate their own day called "Lucia". This is one of Sweden's oldest Christmas traditions in which a girl wears a white dress and robe and has candles in her hair. For safety reasons, today's Saint Lucia celebrations do not use real candles in their headdresses, but instead, use battery-powered lights that flicker like real candles. The celebration of St. Lucia is a Catholic tradition based on the story of St. Lucia of Italy. Lucia was convicted of witchcraft at a young age (hence the fire in her hair).
Another unique tradition that began in Sweden in 1966 is a 13-meter-tall Christmas goat made of highly combustible wood and straw, placed in Gävle Castle Square during Advent, and then burned down. The goat has been successfully burnt down 29 times, and despite being banned, people still try to burn it every year.
Christmas in Summer, sounds strange right? Well, this is normal since South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so Christmas falls in Summer. You’ll still get all the Christmas markets, decorations, food, Christmas trees and caroller’s that you’re used to – but you get it with gorgeous weather too. You’ll also see plenty of other Christmas decorations like extravagant fairy light displays, glittering baubles, tinsel, and fake snow.
That's why South African’s like to have a barbecue called a "braai" at Christmas. Many families gather for a traditional meal of roast turkey, duck or beef, or suckling pig with yellow rice, raisins, and vegetables.
You'll find everything from cold cuts to salads, plus there's also delicious desserts like the classic Christmas pudding, mince pies, or a traditional dish called Malva Pudding (or Lekker Pudding). There’s always plenty of food to go around at a typical South African Christmas celebration and unexpected guests are always warmly welcomed.