Swedish Christmas preparations. Photo: Ann Lindberg / www.imagebank.sweden.se

Attila and Madlen Veress: “In Hungary Santa Claus sneaks in when nobody’s looking”
Attila and Madlen Veress live in Grythyttan, 260 km (162 miles) west of Stockholm, with their two boys. Attila is from Hungary, Madlen from Sweden. When they moved to Sweden, celebrating Christmas suddenly became a little tricky.

“One of the difficulties was the fact that Santa Claus doesn’t really appear in Hungary,” Attila says. “He sort of sneaks in when nobody’s looking. Here in Sweden, he comes around to every house and hands out the presents himself. Our son Oliver was two when he saw the Swedish Santa Claus for the first time and I think he was a little confused.”

In Hungary, the Christmas season kicks off late in the evening on December 5 when children polish their shoes and place them in the window. That night, Mikulás (the Hungarian version of St Nicholas) makes his rounds to inspect the work of the children and then rewards them by filling the shoes with candy.

When Attila grew up in Hungary, Christmas Eve started with a traditional dinner served in the kitchen. During the course of the meal “angels” put the presents under the tree in the living room. The children had to stay at the table until they heard a bell. Then, the whole family entered the living room to sing a traditional Christmas song, rejoice and open presents.

“While the Swedish Christmas Eve traditions dominate the evening, we do our best to mix in Hungarian touches as well,” Madlen says.

Ralf and Annica Effting: “We get some things shipped from The Netherlands”
In Boda Kyrkby, 290 km (180 miles) north-west of Stockholm, Dutch Ralf Effting, his Swedish wife Annica and their two boys also have some Christmas challenges.

“Nobody around here celebrates Sinterklaas, so it’s a little complicated for us,” says Ralf, who grew up celebrating the arrival of Sinterklaas. “We have to get some things shipped from The Netherlands.”

In The Netherlands Sinterklaas rides around on his horse in the early hours of December 6, giving presents to children who have been good during the year. Similar to the arrival of Mikulás in Hungary, Dutch children put out their shoes – and maybe a carrot and some straw for Sinterklaas’ horse – by the fireplace, so that Sinterklaas can fill them with sweets.

In addition to keeping the spirit of Sinterklaas alive for their children, the Efftings have also started sharing another Dutch tradition with their Swedish friends.


The Efftings have two different Santas and a special party for their friends. Photo: Ralf Effting

“We throw a party and everybody brings one small present to exchange,” Ralf says. “It’s usually not an expensive gift, but there must be a trick involved to open it, some sort of surprise.”

To give their children a chance to experience both cultures, the Efftings celebrate a traditional Swedish Christmas on December 24.

“I think it may have been a little tough for our oldest boy to understand why there are two Santas, but we think he understands now,” says Ralf.

Mark Armstrong: “One year someone brought a whole turkey from England”
Every winter, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi above the Arctic Circle in Sweden is crafted by artists and designers from all over the world. Because of the intense building period, every year there are international workers who are unable to travel home for Christmas.

Englishman Mark Armstrong has helped to create the Icehotel for the last eight years and he lives in a neighboring village. For several years now, his Christmas celebrations have involved a truly international guest list.


Armstrong and the other international craftsmen of Jukkasjärvi Icehotel in Sweden share an international Christmas dinner. Photo: Anders Porter

“Our Christmas dinners are unique,” Mark says. “Everyone brings something to the party, an English dish, Japanese, whatever. One of the most bizarre years involved a mother of one of the artists bringing a whole turkey from England. Unfortunately, we seriously burned the turkey. It was hilarious. This year we’re still looking forward to an international party, but I think we might take it a bit easier… Try not to burn anything.”

But Mark points out that there is still no place like home for Christmas. “We have an amazing time together; we are like a family up here. But no matter what you do or how great it is, it’s not like being home – that’s irreplaceable.”

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Anders Porter is an American freelance writer who lives in Grythyttan. This winter, he will be celebrating an international Christmas of his own with his wife, Sanna, and their good friends at the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.

The author alone is responsible for the opinions expressed in this article.

Classification: A174EN

© Photo 1: Image Bank Sweden
© Photo 2: Anders Porter
© Photo 3: Ralf Effting
© Photo 4: Anders Porter