We begin the festive month of December with the Advent Celebration. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word Adventus which points out that the Lord Jesus is coming to us. The time of Advent is the beginning of the Ecclesiastical year and a preparing time while we are waiting for Christmas and the arrival of Lord Jesus Christ.
At home I light the first candle in the candle holder (ljusstaken) and start to count down the arrival of Christmas day by lighting one every week until the last candle, the fourth is lit, then it's Christmas Eve.
The candle holder is usually decorated with white lichen and lingonberytwigs.
Children have special Christmas calendars (Adventskalendrar) which are available in most of the shops. Everyday, the children open a new hatch, revealing pictures or a brief text. The last hatch is opened in Christmas Eve, usually the picture is the most interesting one!! |
