Dancing, singing and the mysterious cucumber
Advent is a special time full of festive cheer, bright lights and lovely traditions. This year, we’re taking you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and whimsical Christmas traditions from around the world. We start with two traditions that could hardly be more different, but both provide plenty of fun and festive joy.
Christmas fun in Sweden: dancing and singing around the tree
In Sweden, Christmas is celebrated with a special dose of joie de vivre. One of the highlights of the festivities is the merry dancing around the Christmas tree – accompanied by a selection of fun and lively songs that invite young and old to join in.
One of the best-known songs is “Nu är det jul igen” (It’s Christmas again). With its fast rhythm and repetitive refrain, it gets everyone moving. The lyrics are simple: “Nu är det jul igen, och julen varar än till påska!” (Now it’s Christmas again, and Christmas lasts until Easter!) – and often ends in jolly chaos as everyone dances around the tree laughing.
Another popular song is “Räven raskar över isen” (The fox runs across the ice), which works almost like a dance game. While the chorus has everyone jumping around the tree, the verses humorously imitate various characters such as girls, boys or older women.
Not to be forgotten is “Små grodorna” (The Little Frogs), a song in which the dancers make funny frog movements and “croak” loudly. Originally a midsummer classic, it also has a firm place in the Christmas season and always puts everyone in a good mood.
Christmas in Sweden may be full of traditions, but it is clear that the focus here is on fun!
The mysterious Christmas cucumber
A completely different but equally exciting tradition originally comes from Germany, but has become especially popular in the USA: the Christmas cucumber.
A Christmas tree decoration in the shape of a small cucumber is hung well hidden between the branches of the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the big search begins! Whoever finds the cucumber first wins an additional small gift or is the first to open their presents.
This fun tradition creates excitement and makes children’s eyes light up – because discovering the well-camouflaged cucumber requires keen eyes and a bit of luck.
Christmas joy unites
Whether it’s merry dancing around the tree or searching for the hidden Christmas cucumber – these traditions show how differently, creatively and playfully Christmas is celebrated in various cultures.
Look forward to more exciting insights into Christmas traditions from around the world, which we share with you here every Sunday in Advent. Until then, we wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season full of surprises and special moments together!
Your pCon team