Christmas Fair in New Jersey

SWEA NJ held its 26th annual Christmas Fair with Lucia Concert, on November 20 in Upper Montclair, NJ. 

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  You better be on time, when it's time for Christmas Fair.

• The line to get into this year’s Julmarknad was long well before the doors opened at 10 a.m., and SWEA’s own folk dancers—all of the volunteering members of the local SWEA—greeted guests with a traditional ring dance. Adults and children savored open-faced sandwiches, waffles, and ginger cookies with coffee, glögg or hallonsaft while shopping for Swedish ornaments, food items and unique Christmas gifts.
  The morning procession featured Hanna Claffey as St. Lucia, and the afternoon procession featured Georgia Lager. Together with their maidens, star boys and miniature maidens, they put the guests in the right mood with their saintly voices.
  ”Many people visit this Christmas Fair, in particular, to buy home baked pastries and bread, chocolate and cheese,” said Catrina Olsson, SWEA member, who was busy working in the bread booth.
  Many came, many bought items and food for a Swedish Christmas. Around 3 p.m. you were lucky if you found a minor ‘tomte’ or lonely ‘limpa’ bread left. However, altogether it was a very relaxed Sunday, and a perfect break from the chaotic holiday madness.

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  "I know one girl who has been first in line every year since the Christmas Fair back in 1986. I guess she is really keen to buy what she wants before anyone else grabs it, because things sell quickly," said Anita Berger, member of SWEA and organizer since its start.

• Watch the film: SWEA Julmarknad, New Jersey