below are some pics from the saint lucia festival last weekend in san francisco. traditionally in sweden, the christmas season starts on december 13 when the eldest daughter of the household, accompanied by her sisters and brothers, wakes before dawn, puts on the crown of lights, and serves a breakfast of coffee, tea and saffron buns to her parents. not sure how an italian medieval saint became an icon of christmas for swedes. something about meshing with viking pagan winter holiday, and later christianity.

the white stuff to the left on the photo of me and nicholas is not the result of spirit photography. anna is holding a stuffed toy for nicholas.

taking today off work cuz nicholas has a cold. now i'm bone-tired, could use a real long nap.