Christmas verses Swedish “Jul”

As an American expatriate who has long lived in Sweden, I still sometimes struggle with the cultural differences in Christmas celebrations between the two countries. This time of year, along with the 4th of July, is when I feel the most homesick for the United States. While both nations embrace the spirit of the season, they do so in ways that are very different and were initially a bit disorienting for me.

One of the most notable differences lies in the holiday’s timing and customs. In the US, Christmas is primarily celebrated on December 25th, marked by elaborate decorations, festive gatherings around traditional holiday food, and for kids, enjoying the bounty Santa Claus delivered the night before.

In contrast, Sweden places significant emphasis on Advent and the celebration of St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th. Starting the party this early introduces a different rhythm to the holiday season, with Swedish traditions focusing strongly on light and community. The major celebration “Jul” occurs on Christmas Eve when Santa Claus (known here as “Tomten”) actually appears in person relatively early in the evening to deliver gifts to Swedish children!

The culinary aspects of Christmas in Sweden differ markedly from those at home and continue to vex me. Traditional Swedish holiday fare includes julskinka (Christmas ham) served cold (why?!), meatballs and small sausages called ‘prinskorv’, and a variety of pickled herring. Dessert is a thick, rich rice pudding served with a fruit compote or sauce. Let’s just say this American, whose mother baked the most AMAZING pumpkin, pecan and cherry pies every year, has never been impressed.

Then, of course, the long, dark winter days in Sweden can affect the holiday spirit. The lack of sunlight can lead to feelings of melancholy, contrasting with the bright, festive atmosphere often associated with Christmas in the United States.

All that being said, celebrating Christmas as an American expat in Sweden has been a rewarding experience, but not without its challenges. Together with my Swedish spouse and friends, I’ve managed to adapt to the cultural nuances of the holiday here and create some new traditions that honor my own. And I’ve yet to meet a Swede who doesn’t love pumpkin pie!