Sweden Today:

Swedish Christmas tradition of Donald Duck / National database for patient drug history / Holiday pet care / High crime case of Gothenburg shooting / Holiday pet care / The Christmas miracle dog 

  • Every year millions of Swedes stop whatever they are doing at exactly 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve to watch Donald Ducks' Christmas special.

  • Swedish Christmas tradition of Donald Duck
    (Holiday) Every year millions of Swedes stop whatever they are doing at exactly 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve to watch the Disney show known as "Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul" (Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas). This is a serious tradition bordering on sacred as Swedes have been partaking of the program since its arrival in Sweden in 1960. Kalle Anka remains one of the most watched television specials in the country. The program was originally broadcast in the U.S. in 1958.

  • One of the scenes from “Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul” (“From All of Us to All of You”) that has been cut out by Disney. Swedes are OK with it but not Danes.

  • National database for patient drug history
    (National) In an attempt to improve patient safety, a national database detailing patient drug histories is being proposed. The register would be used by doctors, nurses and pharmacists, making it easier to discover harmful combinations of medicine used by any individual. According to the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), approximately 35,000 elderly people are negatively affected every year by harmful drug interactions.

  • Holiday pet care
    (Holiday) It's that time of year with lots of decorations, chocolate and flowers. Veterinarian Sofia Hanås warns that many of them can be dangerous for our furry family members who might find them delightful curiosities. Amaryllis, poinsettias and hyacinths are toxic to cats, and lilies are very poisonous. Tinsel and ribbons can pose chocking hazards and chocolate should be stored away from Fluffy and Scout. Beware of danger signs which may include palpitations, tumbling, shaking and stomach pain with vomiting and diarrhea.

  • High crime case of Gothenburg shooting
    (Gothenburg) Seven men have been convicted for the fatal shooting which took place in Biskopsgården in Gothenburg on March 18, 2015. The shooting, which killed two and injured eight, made headlines around the world and has been described as Gothenberg’s biggest criminal case in the city’s history.

  • The Christmas miracle dog
    (Holiday) Freddie, who was separated from his owner for six days, was hit by a train but miraculously survived. Staff from the Swedish Transport Administration discovered the dog had laid down as the train passed over him, suffering only a head wound and some superficial injuries. Freddie who is a mix of Australian Shepard and Husky has been reunited with his owner due to his microchip which contains owner information. His owner is much relieved and thinks maybe the accident served as a Christmas miracle reuniting the two. Freddie is resting comfortably.