Friends, I have been working on a little project. It has been percolating in my mind for a while now but I have been too busy with life-things to stop and be creative in this way. The Lord knew 2021 would be the right time because 2021 is the year I reconnected with a friend from my college days. Her name is Mary Susan and she was the perfect collaborator for this project. I have long admired her for her creativity and overall zest for life. As a converted Catholic I knew she would understand my heart for this project – to celebrate a feast day as a Protestant while being respectful to the Catholic church & my many Catholic friends. When I called and pitched her this idea she immediately caught the vision and we were on our way.
Our family has celebrated St. Lucia day for 4 years now. I knew I wanted to celebrate this Swedish tradition back in junior high when I read about it in the American Girl historical series Kirsten’s Surprise by Janet Shaw. When my daughter was 3 I decided to add it to our holiday tradition. I love having the holiday fun spread out rather than just on one or two days. I also love the message of bringing light to the darkness and serving others. It is also fun to dress up and eat cinnamon rolls.
Our first year to celebrate St. Lucia day my daughter was wearing her Dad’s t-shirt with a red ribbon tied in a bow around her waist. I had spent so much time making the wreath on her head that I forgot about the rest of the outfit until the night before!! It all turned out and she looked adorable and had so much fun. It was a simple start but it was just what we needed.
The second year we added Star Boy to our tradition. Notice Dad’s t-shirt makes a second appearance and Star Boy is wearing fire truck pjs. I hope you are seeing a theme. I had a young baby at this stage and wasn’t able to create an elaborate celebration. I didn’t let it stop me from celebrating though and I am so glad I didn’t.
Over the years as my kids got older and I had the ability we have added to the tradition. Layer upon layer as I have been able we have added to our tradition. The kids look forward to December 13 and St. Lucia day. Last year we took cinnamon rolls to two homes and had another St. Lucia girl visit us. It was the most fun!
When I tell people about this feast day many people have never heard of it. Some have read the American Girl books and remembered it but for the most part it is unfamiliar. I hope this Family Guide changes that. This feast is a beautiful opportunity to talk about being a light in a dark world, to talk about serving those around us, and ultimately to talk about sharing the greatest light – Jesus.
Mary Susan and I would love for you to download this FREE guide and add it to your holiday tradition.
In the guide you will find…
~ A 4 day devotional for Mom
~ Links to recipes
~ Book recommendations
~ Scripture Memory
~ A History of St. Lucia
~ 4 different scheduling options
and lots more!
