The 2024 Santa Lucia celebration was held at Fox Point Lutheran Church on December 8, 2024. 75 people attended the event which included a formal Lucia program followed by Swedish Fika, dance around the Christmas Tree and Santa greeting the children.
The celebration of Santa Lucia in Sweden on December 13th of each year ushers in the Christmas season. The Legend of Lucia goes back to the year 304 AD in Syracuse Italy. It was there the beautiful Lucia, a highborn maiden, lived with her parents. It is also in that city Lucia suffered a martyr’s death, for becoming a Christian. She was a courageous woman, who in the early days of Christian persecution, brought food to her fellow Christians, who were hiding in the catacombs from the pagan persecutors. In order to carry her offerings with both hands, Lucia lighted her way by putting the candles in her hair to light her way. Lucia administered to the poor, bringing them food and hope. The legend tells us, the maiden became an official saint.
Among the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is perhaps the country, where the Lucia celebration has its deepest roots. Tales of her courage were carried to the Northern Scandinavian countries by missionaries. Early, in the darkness of the morning, on the 13th of December, Lucia appears dressed in a white gown with flowing red ribbon around her waist and a crown of candles on her head. She is accompanied by her attendants and star boys. They go from house to house in the darkness of the morning singing, offering hot coffee, cookies and special Lucia bread made with saffron.
2024 Lucia Program
The Lucia program was directed by Stina Lemery. The Lucia story was told by Swedish School Teacher Amanda Balistreri and she also introduced all the traditional Swedish songs that were performed by the children. Matt Byszynski played the piano.
Nadia Wright is the Milwaukee 2024 Lucia. Nadia, an 8th grader from New Berlin, lives with her family and embraces a rich heritage of Swedish, Finnish, Irish, and Italian roots. Having visited Sweden multiple times, where her mom is originally from, she feels a special connection to her Swedish background. A true fashionista with a flair for acting, Nadia envisions a future where she might become a lawyer. However, what truly sets her apart is her warm and compassionate heart. She deeply cherishes her family, friends, and pets, always showing great care for those she loves. While this is her first time serving as Lucia, Nadia has been part of the Swedish School Lucia tradition since she was 7 years old.
2024 Santa Lucia program other participants:
- Attendants (Tärnor): Aubrey Wright, Leighton Ehrengren, Ella Lemery, Emilia Lemery, Thea Quealy, Willa Sjöberg
- Star Boys (Stjärngossar): Joseph Kaltenberg
- Pepparkakor: Eli Kaltenberg
- Tomtar: Oscar Erkander, Nova Balistreri, Orion Balistreri, Arlo Ehrengren
The Lucia program include traditional Lucia songs, e.g. Tomtarnas Julnatt (Santa Christmas Night) and Goder Afton (Good evening)
Fika
After the Lucia program Fika was served consisting of Coffee, juices along with homemade Kanelbullar (Cinnamon buns) and Pepparkakor (Gingerbread cookies). The Kanelbullar were home baked by members Liza Ekstrand, Carol Gustafson and Karin Konrad. During Fika time all participants in the celebration were invited to dance around the Christmas tree the Swedish way.
No Lucia celebration is complete without Jultomten (Santa Claus). Santa arrived and greeted the children with small toys, and asked them what they wanted for Christmas.
Tack Så mycket, (Thanks, very much) to everybody that attended the Lucia celebration and Tusen Tack (a Thousand Thanks), to everybody that have helped in the preparation and were helping during the Lucia event. Thanks to Fox Point Lutheran Church for having us and your help. Thanks to Lucia program participants and leadership. Thanks to everybody involved with Fika, and thanks Santa for coming.
Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin 
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