Christmas Eve

**Christmas Eve in Sweden (Julafton)** Christmas Eve, known as *Julafton*, is the most important day of Christmas celebrations in Sweden. It is celebrated on December 24th and is a time for family gatherings, festive traditions, and cozy atmospheres. The day typically begins with families decorating their homes, often with candles, lights, and traditional ornaments like straw goats and stars. A key tradition is watching *Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas* (*Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul*), a beloved TV special that has aired since 1960 and is a cultural staple. The highlight of the evening is the Christmas feast, which usually includes dishes like *julbord* (a smorgasbord of traditional foods such as ham, meatballs, herring, and *lutfisk*). Desserts like *risgrynsgröt* (rice pudding) are also enjoyed, often with an almond hidden inside—finding it is said to bring good luck. After dinner, families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts, often brought by *Jultomten* (the Swedish version of Santa Claus). The evening is filled with warmth, joy, and the singing of Christmas carols, making it a cherished time for Swedes to celebrate together.