December 13th
My ancestors were from Sweden so I find St. Lucia Day a special day of celebration for me and I have shared it with residents over the past several years. The costume always brings a smile, the story is always appreciated, and the Christmas blessing often brings tears. This is a very special, touching activity.
You will need one individual to be St. Lucia. The costume is simple. First, I don a long sleeved red mock turtle neck and then I wear a cast-off white choir robe over top that comes to just below my knees. It has large sleeves so it is perfect. Underneath I wear white tights (and a pair of shorts, unseen), brown or black leather shoes (NOT tennis shoes!), a wide red sash, easily made, and a wreath of fake garland. Make the wreath so it will fit snugly then turn all the prickly parts from the inside toward the outside so it won’t scratch your head.
(St. Lucia wreaths can be purchased. 90% of them are for children and all of them are plastic and not very becoming.)
Since Lucia was carrying bread to the Christians, I prepare small snack bags with 2 half slices of cinnamon bread and butter. I carry these in a linen lined basket. I also type a short version of St. Lucia’s story (click on the button below) and when I visit each resident, I present them with a the bread and a copy of the story. Before I leave, I give them a hug, wish them the blessing of Christmas all year through, and kiss them on the forehead. This is such a meaningful activity that many people remember from year to year.
