Above: In Scandinavian tradition, St. Lucia is the “queen of lights” bringing the promise of longer days. On the darkest day in the Swedish winter, normally December 13, it is considered bad luck to eat after dawn, so the children of the home treat parents to a special breakfast in bed, with the oldest girl portraying St. Lucia. St. Lucia wears a white dress and a crown of pine boughs. On the crown are seven candles, to represent the coming of brighter days. Around her waist she wears a bright red sash. St. Lucia Jessica Berg-Collman, daughter of Julie Collman and Mike Berg, is attended by Anika Schwarz, daughter of David and Beth Schwarz (far left) and Taryn Hansen, daughter of Teresa and the late Jeff Hansen. Upper right: Along with wonderful welcoming piano music by Mike Chmelik and a lovely piano-flute duet by Mildred Thoreson and Philis Anderson, cellist Alex and violinist Daniel Ditmanson offered some beautiful Christmas carols. Above right: Barb Erickson and Irene Malner put some finishing touches on the Christmas tree at Julefest. Barb has faithfully decorated the tree for 35 Julefest celebrations.
Staff photos/Rhonda Silence
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