Reston Mom

Sleigh ride together

While Minnesota may not be the place to go in order to recover from the flu, it definitely is the place to go for a completely charming sleigh ride.  Matt and I are on a short visit to extended family for the sad occasion of a funeral - but gathering family together inevitably means good times too.  So, we took the opportunity to visit Matt's aunt's gorgeous shire horse and take a truly authentic sleigh ride through the snow.  Finally, I can feel like I've had a quintessential winter experience this year - though I'm sad that my girls weren't here to share it too, as they are finishing flu recovery in the care of grandma.  But now I can go home ready to welcome spring!....and with some really fun memories of surfing on toboggans rope-tied to the back of the sleigh (yeah, man, I did it in leather boots with 3 inch heels and didn't fall! Go mama go!)

Valentine's goodies

My daughters and I put together these little goodies for a couple of friends - hot cocoa, homemade marshmallows, and homemade chocolate spoons with little cinnamon red hots.  If you have never made your own marshmallows - oh my goodness! - they are fabulous!!!! You'll never want another store-bought mallow again.  And, you can flavor them however you want.  I'm including the recipe for plain marshmallows here, but Hope has put in a request for pink strawberry flavored ones in the future, and I also plan to add a little peppermint extract to a batch (oh so good in hot chocolate!) and a little almond extract to another batch. You can also roll them in various goodies for a special treat - crushed toasted almonds, cocoa, sprinkles, toffee...whatever.  But nothing beats the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of a fresh homemade marshmallow. 
WHAT YOU NEED:
9x9 pan
plastic wrap
3 envelopes of knox gelatin (.75 oz)
1/2 C cold water
2 C sugar
2/3 C light corn syrup
1/4 C water
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbls vanilla extract
corn starch
powdered sugar
a stand mixer
WHAT TO DO:
Lightly oil a sheet of plastic wrap and line the pan with it. Put 1/2 C water into the mixer bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it, set aside for 10 min. In the meantime, add the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 C water to a smallish saucepan and bring to a rolling boil, allow to boil rapidly for 1 minute. Pour the hot mixture into the gelatin and start the mixer with a whisk attachment on high, add salt, and continue to whisk for 12 minutes.  Pour fluff into pan and spread (it helps to oil your hands and spatula a bit). Cover with another lightly oiled piece of plastic wrap, pressing lightly to create a seal.  Allow to cool for a few hours or overnight.   Mix equal parts cornstarch and powdered sugar.  Using a lightly oiled knife and powdered hands, cut marshmallows into squares, remove and roll in cornstarch/sugar mixture.  (I found that cutting them twice as large as I wanted them was helpful in removing them from the pan, then I coated them, cut in half and coated again.  You can also use small thick cookie cutters to cut them into shapes, you will need to oil and/or powder the cutter first. 

thoughts of parenting on an icy day

Everything here today is encased in a shiny, glass-like coating of ice.  If you've never seen this before, you can hardly imagine how breathtaking it is! But it certainly isn't fun...it's not like you can go play in it and it's really very inconvenient and even dangerous if the ice builds up on damaged trees, roads, and walkways.  As I was looking out the window, contemplating how I hated that the very day we were scheduled to go out for well doctor's appointments was this...I thought that, in an odd way, this could be compared a bit to raising children.  There are days when my girls stand before me as the most beautiful, breath-taking things I have ever seen and at the same time, the most inconvenient, obstinate, irritating thing too.  The juxtaposition leaves me speechless.  But winter, as little as some like it, is necessary.  Without that time of hibernation, bulbs wouldn't flourish with beautiful blooms in the spring, roses wouldn't erupt in stunning color and fragrance, the balance of flora and fauna would be off, and we wouldn't appreciate temperate sunny days quite so much.  If my girls didn't learn how to assert themselves, they wouldn't grow in independence, if they didn't test their boundaries, they would never learn respect, citizenship, and wisdom.  If they didn't inconvenience me, I'd forget the degree to which they need me.  Sometimes when I'm struggling with them, it is difficult to remember that sometimes this is necessary. That it is an opportunity to cultivate something in them which is still beneath the surface, but over time will poke through and bloom into character which is as lovely as their pretty young faces. 

Hooray for a snow day!

I found a definition for "refreshing" during a peaceful moment this morning as I ate my perfect grapefruit while taking in the gorgeous snow-covered view.  One of my favorite things about snow is how much light it brings into the house with all that reflection! Of course, my most favorite thing about snow is getting to play in it with my family and friends!  Hooray!

why I like this time of year

This is the time of year that I think most people just tolerate as they dream of spring and summer. Especially parents who are cooped up inside with young children
because of the cold. But, I love this time of year! - even with mild effects of S.A.D.  Here's a few reasons why, and I hope if anyone is feeling the onset of winter blues, this might help you feel better!

• purer sunlight due to less hazy skies and no tree leaves to block it out
• peace after the holiday craze, some days it seems like the whole world is hibernating
• new beginnings - a new year, new semester, the hope of Spring
• no humidity
• snow days (hopefully)
• getting the house back in order after the holidays
• Valentine's Day (okay, okay....but I've got so many people to love and an affection for red and pink!)
• cuddling under cozy blankets
• warm beveridges
• sparkling icicles
• being able to see the bluest skies through leafless tree tops
• no biting bugs
• Superbowl

Merry Christmas!

 

it's a tradition....

Last year we started a tradition with the girls where Matt takes them to the store to pick out their very own ornament to hang on our tree.  It is fun because we really do let them do the picking.....it is also a bit risky if you are particular about your tree as inevitably they pick out the largest, most garish ornament they can find. Last year, Hope chose a HUGE neon pink ball crowned in neon pink feathers, this year she chose a GIGANTIC white sparkly star trimmed in silver tinsel.  Luckily Maddie is a bit more restrained, she chose a smaller black velvet high heel with rhinestone buckle.  Still, in another five years, our tree is bound to be quite the spectacle!  Yet, we will always have a little glimpse into their personalities at every age and they will have the memory of a special daddy/daughter moment every year.  Plus, with all the admonitions to "not touch" and "not play with" all the shiny, tempting decorations - this tradition really helps them to feel more involved, more of a real contributor to what is going on and that their opinions and taste are valuable too!

Great Christmas books!

I love holiday books - and especially with the cold weather outside, it is nice to curl up with the kids for some great reading.  Here are a just a very few of my favorites - they'd sure make special gifts too!
B is for Bethlehem, Isabel Wilner: Rhyming verses introduce the letters of the alphabet and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.  The illustrations are spectacular!!! mixed-media collage using watercolor, cut paper and the artist's own drawings.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, Susan Wojciechowski: a touching story with some of the most beautiful and extraordinary illustrations!
The Legend of the Candy Cane, Lori Walburg: sweet and meaningful story again with absolutely lovely illustrations!
Mary Engelbreit, The Night Before Christmas: the original poem ensconced in brilliant, colorful, whimsical illustrations.
I SPY Christmas, Wick and Marzollo: search for various treasures hidden in seasonal collage pictures - makes for challenging fun for anyone and special together time for parents and kids.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson: if you haven't read it, you must! A classic! A short chapter book to be shared over and over!
I'm always looking for a great book, what are your Christmas faves?

seeking Christmas breakfast

I want to start a tradition, and I need your help.  The question is breakfast on Christmas morning. In the past I've made Pillsbury cinnamon rolls - yummy yes, but they leave everyone feeling grumpy by noon.  While we are all already hyped up on Christmas glee with a side of morning coffee and the added stresses (both good and not so good) of the season...the last thing we need is a big fat sugar crash.  But, I do want something scrumptious and special, and the easier the better. It doesn't have to be really good for our health, but it would be nice if it had a little more to offer.  I want it to be something we all look forward to each year, but not something I dread cooking.  Do you have any suggestions or should I just throw some walnuts on top of our gooey-sticky-cinnamonny buns and call it a day?

Happy 1st snow day of the season!

The girls had me out of the house playing in the snow before 8 am this morning! Poor Maddie woke up with pink-eye (not the first time, unfortunately)...but seems to not even care, although there will be plenty of extra hand washing.  Who can complain about a goopy eye when there is snow fun to be had!

Tacky Christmas Fun!

Last year, I wrote this.  And this year we did it.  Okay, so we discovered that despite our efforts, it takes years to develop a really tacky collection of holiday paraphernalia, but we did our best to really deck out the place and had a lot of fun throwing a "tackiest Christmas ever" open house for our friends and neighbors.  It was a really great way to share some time with people we care about and love to see and for the kids to have a chance to play together.  Even better, we met a few of our neighbors that we hadn't had a chance to make a connection with yet - and it was all very festive, casual and fun.

twinkle light's toxic secret

We needed to buy some new strands of lights for our Christmas tree this year, and while carefully reading the instructions I came across this - "Caution: Handling the coated electrical wires of this product exposes you to lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.  Wash hands thoroughly after use."   Who knew?  We bought two different kinds of lights, and this warning was only on one of them, however. 

Tree Time!

The family and I headed over to Ticonderoga Farms yesterday to pick out our Christmas tree.  We ended up buying a pre-cut Frasier Fir instead of cutting down our own as we had planned - somehow we just can't pass on that amazing pine fragrance! After a chaotic but fun evening of decorating, we can now enjoy the twinkle lights and the memories that come along with each ornament, and of course the pine-forest smell of our living room. 

RTC prepares for Winter!

I can't say that I'm quite ready for Christmas lights and candy canes yet, but it's clear that the weather is marching towards winter ahead.  I won't deny that I have a special affection for twinkle lights and festivity, though, so I'm pleased to say that the Reston Town Center is once again preparing to open the ice rink.  Soon the place will be all decked out in it's holiday garb and $12 can buy you the sweeping sensation of hometown holiday warmth as you glide past smiling faces, wind turning your cheeks and nose rosy.  Hope is already talking about it!  If nothing else, you might want to stop and watch the other people skate on November 23, when you'll also have the opportunity to watch the Holiday Parade.

hobby mommy

I love craft stores. I can think up a million things I want to do, try, put together... I'm a better project starter than project finisher - mainly, because I'm tempted to start another fun project before the first is completed. I always have to have my hand in something... here and there, not that there is much time left these days. I haven't taken an art class since elementary school, and so I'm a kind of wacky uncommitted hobbyist. Semi-recently I've been very intriqued by Americana art, inspired to play around at it a bit.

My husband and I always make gifts for our family and friends at Christmas. This has ranged through the years to cover a broad variety of items. This past year, my husband dreamed up an idea and which I then executedt. We bought a bunch of 4x5 canvases, which I duct-taped together from behind and then painted as a single work in a winter themed, Tricia-style Americana. We then separated them and gave a piece of the picture to all of our parents and siblings with a photograph of the entire work. (Actually, I did this twice to include everyone so the picture displayed here is really only half.

I'm writing about this now because I was made aware of something about myself during the process, which has solidified my belief that a hobby - even as simple as reading, is a very healthy thing for a mother to engage in. The main thrust of my discovery is this: all day long I am multi-tasking - with my body, with my brain... raising children requires great acrobatics of the mind.  But, when I sit down to paint or craft or read at a time when I am entirely free to do so, the gears shift and I focus - intensely. I become single-minded for a short while.

This is key to the theraputic quality of hobbying. It is two things: the downshift from a multi-tasking, multi-sensory, multi-process, broad, highly-stimulated thinking to a singular focal point and also the particular intensity of pouring your mind into accomplishing that one thing. There is something about it that really feels good. It is somehow revitalizing. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this... or at least hear what kind of hobbies other moms are taking up.   

   

I love craft stores. I can think up a million things I want to do, try, put together... I'm a better project starter than project finisher - mainly, because I'm tempted to start another fun project before the first is completed. I always have to have my hand in something... here and there, not that there is much time left these days. I haven't taken an art class since elementary school, and so I'm a kind of wacky uncommitted hobbyist. Semi-recently I've been very intriqued by Americana art, inspired to play around at it a bit.

My husband and I always make gifts for our family and friends at Christmas. This has ranged through the years to cover a broad variety of items. This past year, my husband dreamed up an idea and which I then executedt. We bought a bunch of 4x5 canvases, which I duct-taped together from behind and then painted as a single work in a winter themed, Tricia-style Americana. We then separated them and gave a piece of the picture to all of our parents and siblings with a photograph of the entire work. (Actually, I did this twice to include everyone so the picture displayed here is really only half.

I'm writing about this now because I was made aware of something about myself during the process, which has solidified my belief that a hobby - even as simple as reading, is a very healthy thing for a mother to engage in. The main thrust of my discovery is this: all day long I am multi-tasking - with my body, with my brain... raising children requires great acrobatics of the mind.  But, when I sit down to paint or craft or read at a time when I am entirely free to do so, the gears shift and I focus - intensely. I become single-minded for a short while.

This is key to the theraputic quality of hobbying. It is two things: the downshift from a multi-tasking, multi-sensory, multi-process, broad, highly-stimulated thinking to a singular focal point and also the particular intensity of pouring your mind into accomplishing that one thing. There is something about it that really feels good. It is somehow revitalizing. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this... or at least hear what kind of hobbies other moms are taking up.   

the last of the snow?

Right now there are huge white flakes falling majestically as I watch out the window, a dusting of snow highlighting the branches and leaves and looking for all the world like someone sifted sugar across our lawn It has such an ethereal appearance. And I am gripped by two thoughts - "It's amazing, so pretty every time!"  And "Is it Spring yet????"

I would have loved this at Christmastime, but my growing Spring fever has tainted my enjoyment of this March snow. But, it does give me one more opportunity to show some favorite snow pics from the latter half of this winter, when Hope and her dad built a snowman and then retired inside to enjoy a "cocoa party" complete with Hope's porcelain tea set and mini marshmallows! Hopefully the next terribly cute and girly party we indulge in will feature iced tea and sorbet on the newly green lawn in the warm spring sunshine.

Right now there are huge white flakes falling majestically as I watch out the window, a dusting of snow highlighting the branches and leaves and looking for all the world like someone sifted sugar across our lawn It has such an ethereal appearance. And I am gripped by two thoughts - "It's amazing, so pretty every time!"  And "Is it Spring yet????"

I would have loved this at Christmastime, but my growing Spring fever has tainted my enjoyment of this March snow. But, it does give me one more opportunity to show some favorite snow pics from the latter half of this winter, when Hope and her dad built a snowman and then retired inside to enjoy a "cocoa party" complete with Hope's porcelain tea set and mini marshmallows! Hopefully the next terribly cute and girly party we indulge in will feature iced tea and sorbet on the newly green lawn in the warm spring sunshine.

a spicy cup of g-o-o-d!

If you decide to take the kids for a romp in the snow, you'll need something to warm everyone up after, and you might as well treat yourself to something a little more grown-up, because... well, you deserve it! (After all, you did just take the kids for a romp in the snow.

I'm talking about hot cocoa - whip up the usual for the kids and then take it to a whole new level for you. In central and south america, cocoa has long been paired with cinnamon or chile pepper ... and you're missing out if you haven't tried it.

Spiced hot cocoa is like chocolate chai - warm and spicy, perfect for a romantic cuddle on the couch with your spouse this cold Valentine's day. You can make some easily by adding a little cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom seeds, cayenne pepper, and cloves to your favorite store-bought packet of hot cocoa.

Or try this awesome recipe from the March 2004 issue of Bon Appetit.
Ingredients
6 cups whole milk
¾ cup brown sugar
15 whole cardamom pods
12 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise pods
¾ teaspoon coriander seeds
¾ teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ teaspoon vanilla

Pour milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and add sugar, all spices and red pepper flakes. Cook on low heat to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover and let mixture steep for approximately 20 minutes.

Add cocoa powder and vanilla and bring back to a simmer, whisking until blended. Strain through a sieve, leaving behind spices, and pour into mugs.

Makes 6 servings. Recipe may be doubled.

If you decide to take the kids for a romp in the snow, you'll need something to warm everyone up after, and you might as well treat yourself to something a little more grown-up, because... well, you deserve it! (After all, you did just take the kids for a romp in the snow.

I'm talking about hot cocoa - whip up the usual for the kids and then take it to a whole new level for you. In central and south america, cocoa has long been paired with cinnamon or chile pepper ... and you're missing out if you haven't tried it.

Spiced hot cocoa is like chocolate chai - warm and spicy, perfect for a romantic cuddle on the couch with your spouse this cold Valentine's day. You can make some easily by adding a little cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom seeds, cayenne pepper, and cloves to your favorite store-bought packet of hot cocoa.

Or try this awesome recipe from the March 2004 issue of Bon Appetit.
Ingredients
6 cups whole milk
¾ cup brown sugar
15 whole cardamom pods
12 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise pods
¾ teaspoon coriander seeds
¾ teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ teaspoon vanilla

Pour milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and add sugar, all spices and red pepper flakes. Cook on low heat to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover and let mixture steep for approximately 20 minutes.

Add cocoa powder and vanilla and bring back to a simmer, whisking until blended. Strain through a sieve, leaving behind spices, and pour into mugs.

Makes 6 servings. Recipe may be doubled.

tackiest christmas ever

Every year as I view the houses of people who have gone holiday wild with lights and decorations, I find myself saying the same thing: "Oh! I would never do that! But I am so glad that there are people who do!"

The truth is that if we could find a place to plug everything in and afford the power bill, I think Matt and I would totally over decorate our house on purpose just to do it at least once. Sometime I'd like to throw a Christmas party under the theme "Tackiest Christmas Ever."

We'd cover the entire house in tinsel and colored lights set to blink in random patterns, millions of little resin figurines, and gobs of plastic mistletoe. We could all dress in Santa hats, blinking reindeer antlers, terrible Christmas ties, sweaters (you know the ones I'm talking about), and jingle-bell necklaces, drink from holiday-shaped glasses, and nibble wheat thins and cheeseball. I'd love it! Of course, we'd have to invest in one or two of those giant blow-up snow globes for the front yard, and the Chipmunk's Christmas album. Oh well...maybe next year.

I guess for now we'll be re-running National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and laughing our heads off at the crude satire on all the crazy stuff we've attached to this precious holiday. But go ahead everybody and keep those lovely Christmas sweaters and dangly earrings handy for next year - you might just have good use for them after all.   

Every year as I view the houses of people who have gone holiday wild with lights and decorations, I find myself saying the same thing: "Oh! I would never do that! But I am so glad that there are people who do!"

The truth is that if we could find a place to plug everything in and afford the power bill, I think Matt and I would totally over decorate our house on purpose just to do it at least once. Sometime I'd like to throw a Christmas party under the theme "Tackiest Christmas Ever."

We'd cover the entire house in tinsel and colored lights set to blink in random patterns, millions of little resin figurines, and gobs of plastic mistletoe. We could all dress in Santa hats, blinking reindeer antlers, terrible Christmas ties, sweaters (you know the ones I'm talking about), and jingle-bell necklaces, drink from holiday-shaped glasses, and nibble wheat thins and cheeseball. I'd love it! Of course, we'd have to invest in one or two of those giant blow-up snow globes for the front yard, and the Chipmunk's Christmas album. Oh well...maybe next year.

I guess for now we'll be re-running National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and laughing our heads off at the crude satire on all the crazy stuff we've attached to this precious holiday. But go ahead everybody and keep those lovely Christmas sweaters and dangly earrings handy for next year - you might just have good use for them after all.   

holiday tid-bit

Candy canes evolved from white sugar sticks that were used by mothers over three and a half centuries ago as pacifiers.

back seat caroler

Though all children grow and develop skills in different ways and rates, I think that every child has special strengths - something they seem to excel at above other things, an area that comes to them a bit more easily. My girls seem to have a propensity for communicating - in other words, they like to talk. A lot. 

There have been times when I have felt less than thankful for this, but mostly I have absolutely loved it. Recently I have been totally enraptured by Hope's ability to quickly learn and sing along to several Christmas songs. I have a Wee Sing for Christmas CD that I popped into my car's cd player earlier this season. Hope has requested it frequently - and being less than a captivating adult selection, I have quickly tired of it. Nevertheless, I acquiesce to every request just to hear her sweet little voice singing along from the back seat. That, I never get tired of. (Hope picking out her Christmas tree below.)

Backseat Caroler

Though all children grow and develop skills in different ways and rates, I think that every child has special strengths - something they seem to excel at above other things, an area that comes to them a bit more easily. My girls seem to have a propensity for communicating - in other words, they like to talk. A lot. 

There have been times when I have felt less than thankful for this, but mostly I have absolutely loved it. Recently I have been totally enraptured by Hope's ability to quickly learn and sing along to several Christmas songs. I have a Wee Sing for Christmas CD that I popped into my car's cd player earlier this season. Hope has requested it frequently - and being less than a captivating adult selection, I have quickly tired of it. Nevertheless, I acquiesce to every request just to hear her sweet little voice singing along from the back seat. That, I never get tired of. (Hope picking out her Christmas tree below.)

Never seen the Nativity like this before.....

When Hope was one we gave her a cute little resin nativity scene complete with stable and all the figures - last year Hope became strangely attached to it.

She carried them around the house, tucked them in at night by laying them on their backs and saying "goodnight Mary, goodnight Joseph, goodnight kings..." and so on. She rocked the baby Jesus figure in the crook of her arm and played with them until the angel had only one wing, the cow had no horns, and the shepherd's crook was broken.

This year, there is an additional level of humor for me since her imagination has developed quite a bit. The characters talk to eachother and I couldn't help but laugh when I heard this today:

Shepherd:  "Wisemen, what are you doing?!"
Wisemen:  "We are bringing gifts for baby Jesus"
Baby Jesus: "Ooooooh! for me? I love presents!"

Snowy Day

I thought I'd  share some snow pics of our family, particularly, because until now it hasn't felt much like winter around here which made the first snow much anticipated and worth celebrating. So much so that while it was still coming down on the evening it started, we loaded up the girls in their wagon and went for a walk through the neighborhood. The only problem was that while Maddie leaned back and opened her mouth to catch the falling flakes, Hope was ridiculously scared of them getting into her eyes. So, despite a hat with protective brim, she rode the entire way with her eyes covered.  

 

I thought I'd  share some snow pics of our family, particularly, because until now it hasn't felt much like winter around here which made the first snow much anticipated and worth celebrating. So much so that while it was still coming down on the evening it started, we loaded up the girls in their wagon and went for a walk through the neighborhood. The only problem was that while Maddie leaned back and opened her mouth to catch the falling flakes, Hope was ridiculously scared of them getting into her eyes. So, despite a hat with protective brim, she rode the entire way with her eyes covered.  

Christmas at the farm

Recently we had a few unseasonably warm days - reaching up to 70 degrees, so we decided to take advantage of a beautiful day and head outside. We grabbed the wagon and headed to the farm for a picnic. I have to admit, it felt a little bit more like Spring than December as I walked along wearing a sleeveless shirt and we petted the new baby calves. My idea of the perfect Christmas includes white stuff falling from the sky more than rays of sunshine, but I had to be grateful for a lovely time with the fam.

Virginia weather varies like that from year to year. Last year, when I brought Maddie home from the hospital on Dec. 15, the ground had been white for a couple of days and it was snowing as we drove. The same day this year, the temperature was quite above average making it more difficult to feel the arrival of Christmas. Alas, it won't be a white one this year - but there is still plenty of time left in the season for snow angels and sledding.

Little Swedish Girl

December 13th ranks high in our household as my eldest daughter's birthday. Interestingly, it also links Hope to her Swedish roots (my husband's mother's family is Swedish). December 13th is traditionally one of the most celebrated days of the Swedish calendar. It is St. Lucia day, the opening day of the Christmas season. 

The story of Lucia has many different versions, but she is always a symbol of light amid the darkest part of the year. A popular legend surrounding her tells of her bringing food to people, who were dying of hunger during a famine, wearing a wreath crowned with lighted candles in her hair to light the way. 

The day is celebrated with the lighting of candles to bear light against the darkness. Traditionally, an eldest daughter of a family dresses as St. Lucia, while siblings dress as "attendants" and "starboys" (associated with the three wise men). The children awaken their parents the morning of Dec.13 and offer them coffee, lussekatter (saffron Lucia buns) and pepparkakor (ginger snaps). Last year, I spent this day in the hospital after the birth of Maddie (Dec. 12). Now a fond and adorable memory, Hope's grandmothers brought her to the hospital dressed as St. Lucia and offering my husband and me cinnamon buns (in place of lussekatter). 

There is a gre
at children's book called Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker which includes recipes for pepparkakor and lussekatter, the St. Lucia song in swedish and english, and patterns for making the costumes, and a synopsis of St. Lucia's legend along with the colorfully illustrated story.