In Sweden, the Christmas celebrations lasts almost two months. The celebrations begin with Advent. Each Sunday before Christmas a candle is lit and placed 0n an advent wreath. 

December 13 is St Lucia's Day. On this day, the eldest daughter, wearing a white robe and a head wreath with candles, serves the family St. Lucia buns (Lussekatter) and coffee in bed. 

On Christmas Eve, a large dinner or smorgasbord is served. Desserts include rice pudding: an almond is hidden in the pudding, the person who finds the almond is said to be the next in the family to marry. Before the children go to bed that night, they make sure that they leave out a bowl  of porridge for Jultomten - Santa - and leave a candle in the window to guide him to their homes 

The holiday season ends on January 13 or the "20th day Knut". This is the day the Christmas tree is taken down and Christmas is over for another year.