Saint Lucia

The Saint Lucia is probably the only catholic saint being celebrated in the lutheran protestant church. It is an old Swedish tradition that has held on in Finland even after Russian occupation and then almost 100 years of Finnish independence. Saint Lucia brings the light on December 13th to the darkest of times. It's a beautiful tradition that my daughters have also been part of. My middle daughter got the honor of being Lucia this year, and carrying light and hope into the darkness. I love the Lucia song too, and think it's one of the prettiest christmas songs.

Nothing puts me in a Christmas mood like the Finnish Christmas Carols at the Finnish Lutheran congregation at St. John's Church in the West Village. I love that little church and it's down-to-earth atmosphere. For me it's important that my kids know Christmas is not only about presents, but that it is one of the most important Christian celebrations, and the feeling of Christmas is more important than any present.

Three Weeks to Christmas

This weekend was the kickoff to the Christmas season. On Saturday we went to the Finnish School's Christmas Bazaar and the Christmas Carols at the Finnish Church. The girls participated in the Lucia procession which is always the cutest part of the event, and the small church was full of our friends and "family". I love Christmas songs and singing them, and the atmosphere at the Finnish Church is casual, warm and fuzzy. In other words it's the perfect start for the Christmas season. On Sunday we decorated our tree and put up some lights in our front yard. I also had a chance to pick my Christmas present (but I can't open until Christmas morning..).