St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day, known as **"Annandagen"** in Sweden, is celebrated on **December 26**, the day after Christmas. It is a public holiday and part of the extended Christmas festivities. The day is named after **Saint Stephen**, the first Christian martyr, and is observed in many countries with Christian traditions. In Sweden, St. Stephen's Day is a time for relaxation and spending time with family and friends after the busy Christmas celebrations. Many people use the day to enjoy outdoor activities, such as skiing, ice skating, or taking a walk in the snow, as winter is in full swing. It is also common to attend church services or continue enjoying festive meals and leftovers from Christmas. Historically, St. Stephen's Day was associated with horse-related traditions, such as horse racing or sleigh rides, though these customs are less common today. The holiday marks the continuation of the Christmas spirit and provides a peaceful transition into the New Year.