This beautiful book about the Swedish holiday Sankta Lucia has become a read-a-loud favorite in this house.
This beautiful book has become a read-a-loud favorite in this house. Ewa Rydåker and illustrator Carina Ståhlberg have truly captured the spirit of “living” the Lucia tradition each year. The book tells the old story of Sankta Lucia through the eyes of three children living in this time period. Set in Sweden, the story follows the adventures of Sofie, Louise, and Carl as they prepare for Lucia Day on December 13th.
On that day, many Swedish people celebrate the legacy of Lucia and the coming of the light with coffee, saffron buns, ginger snaps, and wonderful singing. In addition to the story of the Svensson children, the book also includes the Lucia Song, recipes for ginger snaps and saffron buns, a short story of the Lucia legend, plus two patterns for the Lucia gown and star boy outfit.
This story focuses on one family preparing for the holiday. The two girls and the boy help make pepparkakor cookies and the Lussekat buns the night before. They next morning they celebrate with their immediate family.
I love the illustrations, they are wintry and festive looking!
Author Ewa Rydåker is happy to announce that the book is now available for iPad! (Or download it to read on your computer or iPhone). Find it in the iTunes Store.
Something to Do
Recipes for Lucia Buns and Ginger Cookies
Glögg
Glögg is a hot spicy drink which is drank throughout the whole holiday season but a huge pot of it is always brewing on my stove top for Lucia.
Glögg instructions:
- · 4 cups of apple or grape juice
- · ¼ cup of sugar
- · 18 whole cloves
- · 8 whole cardamom pods
- · 1 cinnamon stick
- · 1 piece of fresh ginger 1 inch long
- · Serve with raisins and almonds
In a cooking pot pour your juice of choice and add all of the spices. Turn the heat onto medium and cook until the sugar has melted. Cover and leave it standing for an hour. Strain off the spices. Right before serving reheat and place in a thermos, glögg pot or slow cooker to keep it warm. For serving place into a cup or mug and top with raisins and almonds.
If you would like more information about the Santa Lucia holiday traditions, Santa Lucia inspired crafts and even more Swedish treat idea, grab my FREE pdf download HERE. Even though the official Santa Lucia holiday is passed (December 13th) there’s no better time than the present to share these ideas, traditions and treats with your family. Consider it my gift to you this holiday season. Thank you and ENJOY.
The post Santa Lucia Morning in Sweden Book Review (and some Glögg) appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
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