i attended the traditional swedish celebration of sankta lucia (saint lucy’s day) at the faculty of arts yesterday, where students of swedish lectorat organized short program, the singing, the big feast afterwards. lussekatter, kanelbullar, pepparkakor and glögg. all swedish goodies. aha, we should feel privileged to drink alcohol during the working hours. it was a nice ceremony, though not at night and not in sweden. procession usually takes place in church and lucy is heading it, wearing a crown of candels. lucy is bringing the light (on the night of 12th december – well, tonight) which protects you from the devil.

it’s always interesting to learn about foreign traditions, even though we tend to disregard and forget about our own. but these december traditions are magic. if only they weren’t wrapped with anxiety and all the fuss about them instead of the big red knot. like we have to prove ourselves over and over again. i’m decided i’m gonna make fruit tart. strawberries, plums and figs. mmm.

we finished third level of swedish on thursday and sang the lucia songs, christmas carols, but it all seemed so strange, cause there’s still no snow. i’m going home tomorrow, i’m patiently looking at the weather forecast, wishing to see nature at peace, hold that shovel and have walks in the forest covered with snow.

is there anything better in winter than watching the snowflakes fall? and while waiting, i still have bit more than two weeks to think throught and make a things-ive-learned-in-this-year list. good luck with yours!