Sweden

In Sweden, Christmas is called "Jul." The Swedes "count down" to Christmas Eve four Sundays in advance with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Advent by lighting one candle at a time until all four are lit. A big holiday is also "Lucia" on December 13th. Lucia is a 4th century Italian Saint. On this holiday, girls, adorned in white dresses with candles in their hands (the actual Lucia has candles in her hair as well), from all over the country visit churches, schools and companies early in the morning and sing.

The 24th, Christmas Eve, is the biggest event of all, when there is a large food table with special Swedish dishes such as herring, meatballs, etc. To this, they drink a special drink called Julmust (soda) and Glögg (warm drink with alcohol). After this, the families wait for the Santa Clause (Jultomten) who comes through the chimney. There is a mix of food, drinks, game play, mingling, relaxing and kids enjoying their toys. Some people go to church at noon or early the next morning at 6 AM.