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Taylor Everson was crowned this year’s St. Lucia at the annual Julefest held at the Bethlehem Lutheran church. This was the 49th Julefest celebration held at Bethlehem. Taylor’s attendants were Ella Hallberg and Katie Shannon. Standing with the girls is Bethlehem Lutheran Pastor Mark Ditmanson. Photo courtesy of Andrea Everson

Julefest is Bethlehem Lutheran’s variation of the celebrations held across Scandinavia to remember St. Lucia, a young woman in ancient times who brought food to the poor. Early on the morning of Dec. 13, the shortest day of the year according to the Julian calendar, the oldest daughter of the house dons a crown of fresh greens and glowing candles and serves her family coffee and saffron buns, bringing sustenance and light to the household on one of the darkest days of the year.