Did you know that before Christmas, there was Yule - a pagan (non-religious) tradition that celebrated the return of the Sun after the winter solstice.
It lasted over 12 days beginning on the eve of the solstice (December 20th) and ending on January 1st.
Yule is a Norse word for “wheel” symbolising fresh starts and cyclical nature of the planet.
In Norway and Sweden we traditionally eat 'lussekatter', saffron buns with raisins, on Lucia Day. The yellow of the saffron symbolizes the return of the light. I made these lussekatter yesterday, like I do every year, and I wish I could share them with all of you :)
Lucia Day on December 13 is a Scandinavian festival of light that is named after the Sicilian St. Lucy, but the celebration of light during the darkest time of the year can be traced back to ancient Norse winter solstice celebrations.