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Show CHRISTMAS AN AGE OLD TRADITION. Winters are sharp, long and severe in Scandinavia. That's undoubtedly why its people make such a celebration celebra-tion out of Christmas. It's their . antidote to darkness, a way of chasing-away the gloom. Preparations start early M . December when Scandinavians Scandi-navians brighten their homes with scrubbing and decor-.atlons, decor-.atlons, trim trees with old and new ornaments and stock larders with all kinds of - goodies, especially baked ones. In every way, It's a real, old fashioned Christmas, Christ-mas, complete with snow and even reindeer In some areas. Sundays before Christmas are considered special as this Is Advent, to celebrate either the Second Coming of Christ or to prepare for his birthday. In addition, Sweden celebrates cele-brates St. Lucia's Day, when -. the eldest daughter, dressed In a long white gown, wearing wear-ing candles as a crown, .brings her parents saffron buns and coffee for break- ' fast. Two ideas prevail beneath all this preparation for the Christmas and holiday cele-: cele-: bratlon. The first is that you must be hospitable and generous with your food during the season, even with . ; strangers. Whoever calls on ' you during this time must be served from your table. Only In this way do you keep the Christmas spirit In your home. Scandinavians also believe that the frultfulness of the year to come depends on the abundance of holiday feast -;lng. Feasting that's stingy .will bring a lean year while . a lavish feast means a pros -; perous one. Christmas is a delightful time, make It happy and abundant, and enlarge your circle of friendship In the . gesture of goodwill towards men. |