Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin

“Lucia, the symbol of light shall be, the eternal light from above, that dispels the darkness in every hart, that shines and revives.”

What a wonderful day it was! On December 17, 2023 Lucia Day Celebration was held in the beautiful Fox Point Lutheran Church. 25 children and teenagers participated in the Lucia program directed by Stina Lemery. Amanda Balistreri red the Lucia Story and introduced each song in the program and piano was played by Matt Byszynski. The Lucia Program was done together with the Swedish School of Milwaukee. 175 people attended the event.

Josie German is the 2023 Lucia, and her procession included Attendants, Starboys, Pepparkaker, and Tomtar. This is the second time Josie was the Lucia, her impressive credentials can be found in 2022 Lucia Day post.

• Attendants(Tärnor): Anna Einhorn, Aubrey Wright, Nadia Wright, Ella Lemery, Emilia Lemery, Leighton Ehrengren, Nova Balistreri, Claire Svedin, Mila Leon, Ella Cutler, Willa Sjöberg  
• Starboys: Thomas Cutler, Camden Ehrengren, Joseph Kaltenberg 
• Pepparkaker: Evelyn Coons, Eli Kaltenburg, Nora Thode-Edström, Isla Thode-Edström 
• Tomtar: James Einhorn, Joey Leon, Quinn Svedin, Annika Cutler, Oscar Erkander, Orion Balistreri 

The Lucia Crown

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CANDLE – Aubrey Wright 

När första ljuset brinner, står julens dörr på glänt, och jubel psalmen klingar i helig tid advent. (When the first Christmas candle is burning, we know Christmas is close by.)

THE SECOND CHRISTMAS CANDLE – James Einhorn 

När andra ljuset brinner, vi höra löftets ord, om Konungen som kommer med frälsning till vår jord. (When the 2nd Christmas candle is burning, we hear the promise of old that a Savior is coming.)

THE THIRD CHRISTMAS CANDLE – Nadia Wright

När tredje ljuset tändas i kulen vinter tid. Vi höra himlens klockor, som ringa fröjd och frid.(When the 3rd candle is lit, we hear the bells of heaven wishing all peace and goodwill)

THE FOURTH CHRISTMAS CANDLE – Ella Cutler

Vi se i fjärde ljuset en stjärna underbar, som ger åt livets gåtor ett evighetens svar. (As the 4^th candle is lit, we see a beautiful star with promise to all of life eternal.)

THE FIFTH CHRISTMAS CANDLE – Anna Einhorn

Sist julens lilla tomte med gran och juleljus, nu önskar juleglädje och frid i hem och hus. (At last the little Christmas elf with Christmas tree and lights, is wishing all a joyful and blessed Christmas.)

Julbord, Dance around the Christmas tree, Raffle and Jultomten (Santa Claus)  

The Julbord, with all dishes donated by members and people joining the celebration included everything you could ask for, fabulous open face sandwiches, succulent Swedish meatballs, gastronomical cardamon bread and limpa, and how about the delicious cookies and sweets. Noone was leaving this celebration hungry.

Then the children from the Lucia program danced and many other joined in the “long dance“, a traditional Swedish dance during Christmas and other celebrations, continuing with dances around the Christmas tree, including “små grodorna” (the little frogs), and “så går vi runt ett enerbärssnår” (this is how we walk around a juniper bush) and other popular Swedish songs.

Then Santa stopped in to greet the children making this the perfect end to the 2023 Lucia celebration.

Tack så mycket

Many thanks to everybody attending, all volunteers and all who donated food, making this a very successful event. There were so many positive comments like “The Lucia program was beautiful”, “The kitchen crew is impressive.” “What a bright and friendly church”, “Great food” etc.

Special thanks to Fox Point Lutheran Church for the warm welcome, help and support, Kelly Price for all the preparations, Pastor Bill for staying and helping us through the evening. Special thanks to Teri Vega Stromberg and her late husband Kurt for donating the Santa suit, previously worn by Santa Kurt and special thanks to Sherri Burbach and IKEA for inviting the Lucia program to perform at IKEA and for donating food and drinks.