This year I spent Christmas 2012 with my boyfriend’s family in rural Northeast Ohio. It was my first trip to the state of Ohio. Being from Lancaster county, PA, I was familiar with the small town setting. While I greatly enjoy my metropolitan setting of Seattle, it was a nice retreat. From Rome, Ohio where his parents reside to Chardon, his hometown, to Kent, where his extended family reside and back again
It was a wonderful experience being able to be part of traditional Swedish American Christmas celebration. My boyfriend’s mom came to the United States from Sweden. She has successfully intertwined Swedish holiday celebrations with Christmas here in the states.
The day to prior to Christmas eve day featured a special meal, a meal that is featured in this household every Christmas, rice pudding. Topped with cinnamon and sugar, it was delightful. It was my first taste of rice pudding and I look forward to having it again on this special occasion.
Decorating the Christmas tree took place a few days prior to the 25th. The lucia buns were just done baking and were ready to be consumed. We gathered around the Christmas tree that was featured in the dining room. Each of us took a lucia bun, after placing an ornament we enjoyed our home baked good.
I assisted my boyfriend in his tradition of making waffles and homemade blueberry sauce and serving it to his awaiting family. Christmas eve dinner featured a full counter and table top of plates and bowls of food. Homemade breads, a seasoned turkey, Swedish meatballs, warmed apple cider, and multiple other dishes.After opening gifts on Christmas eve night, we sat together in the living room and watched Sweden’s presentation of American cartoons. This was one of the highlights from the holiday.
Christmas day featured a drive to Kent to celebrate the day with his extended relatives. A twist on the traditional holiday meal. This meal featured a buffet style layout of homemade pizzas, lasagna, and chilli. Two bowls of chili and a Yuengling completed my Christmas 2012 meal.
My stay ended up being longer than I expected. Because of the snowstorm, our flight was canceled. We were unable to get a flight for 3 days. The relaxation of a peaceful retreat turned into suffering from being homesick. The trip started off well, didn’t end so well. All I can say is, I’m happy to be back home and I’m happy that holidays are past us.
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