Lucia at Walnut Creek

It was late afternoon on December 12 when the Swedish School in Walnut Creek, CA held its annual Lucia celebration at St. Luke's Church. 

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  Lucia maidens entering the church.

• There were fewer participants than usual because of flu season, but that did not make any difference for the members of the Lucia pageant, who made sure they sang even better and louder.

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  Three of the four teachers at the Swedish school in Walnut Creek—Pia Griffin, Christina Ditzel and principal Ami Rådström-Ditzel—with Lucia Sally Williams.

• The honor to be this year's Swedish school Lucia went to Sally Williams, a student there for many years. To always remember this special day, principal Ami Rådström-Ditzel gave her a a beautiful little porcelain Lucia as a keep-sake.

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  Lucia Sally Williams entering the church.

• After the children sang all the traditional Lucia songs, Ellen Persson sang "Hosianna" and others read their verses, the pageant left and the song had faded out. It was time for the parents and other vistitors to enjoy "fika." The parents had brought coffee and Lucia treats to share—saffron buns, sponge cake and every imaginable kind of delicious baked item.

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  Starboy Nils Ljung.

• The Lucia pageant, fika and good company from old and new friends marked another year, and the fulfilled guests headed home to prepare for the next holiday.
  
  Submitted by Carola Williams