Scandinavia (Decorated by Faith Richards and Kate Lomas)

Merry Christmas – God Jul (Swedish) Gledelig Jul (Norwegian)

In Scandinavia, a little gnome called Julenisse puts the presents under the Christmas tree in the night. The children leave a bowl of porridge out for him.

The main festival is St Lucia’s day on December 13th. Young girls dress in white with a red sash with a crown of candles on their heads. The crown is made of Lingonbery branches which are evergreen and symbolise new life in Winter. St Lucia’s day is also celebrated in Denmark, Norway and Finland.