In Sweden, Christmas Day is celebrated as a national holiday and is a culmination of a variety of festive activities during the Yuletide season. The holiday season begins with the first Sunday of Advent in late November or early December and continues up to St. Knut's Day on January 13th. On Christmas Day, December 25th, Swedes celebrate by spending time with family and friends, eating traditional Christmas meals, and exchanging gifts.
The preparations for Christmas begin weeks in advance in Sweden. The houses are decorated with Christmas lights, candles, stars, hearts, and other appealing festive ornaments. Traditional Swedish Christmas meals include hams, fish, potatoes and meatballs. Gingerbread and saffron buns are also popular sweets during this time. Julmust, a special Swedish soft drink, is almost always served during Christmas feasts.
Gift-giving occurs on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day in Sweden. According to local folklore, the 'Jultomte' or Christmas elf delivers the presents. After the gift exchange on Christmas Eve, families attend church services on Christmas Day. The day is usually quiet and relaxing, with most of the country taking a break from work to immerse themselves in the holiday's festive spirit.