Swedesburg hosts Santa Lucia celebration

The Swedish American Museum and Historical Society hosted the annual Santa Lucia celebration on Dec. 11, 2022, at the Swedish American Museum in Swedesburg, Iowa. The Lucia celebration traditionally begins the Christmas season on Dec. 13 and continues until Jan. 13.

Annika Kerr was honored as Santa Lucia 2022 and Cadon Jacobson was the star child. Annika is 14 years old and attends Mount Pleasant Middle School. She is the daughter of Michael and Karla Kerr and the family lives in Mount Pleasant. She is the granddaughter of Johanna Crawford (active museum docent and former board of directors) of Mount Pleasant.

Annika’s great grandparents, the late Ferdinand and Betty Larson were active volunteers with the museum. Cadon Jacobson is the son of Megan Jacobson the late Paul Jacobson of Mount Pleasant. He is 6 years old and attends the Mount Pleasant Christian School. He is the grandson of Tom and Karen Wenstrand (both active with the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church Swedish Smorgasbord and Swedish heritage preservation), of Mount Pleasant.

Annika was first introduced as future Santa Lucia 2022 at the June Midsummer 2022 celebration of the museum’s 30th anniversary, when all past Santa Lucias were honored. Her mother Karla Crawford Kerr was Santa Lucia 1990, and her aunt Katherine Crawford Christ was Santa Lucia 1992. Cadon’s mother Megan Jacobson was Santa Lucia 1995, and his aunt Marne Lackman was Santa Lucia 1996.

The evening officially began with Ralph Sandeen (board of directors) offering a prayer of thanks. A potluck meal was shared as part of the holiday evening event. Following the meal, Santa Lucia 2019 Karissa Overton, Johanna Crawford and Karla Crawford Kerr read the story of Santa Lucia by candlelight.

The historical account was written by Jane Lindeen (former board of directors and former newsletter author/editor). Santa Lucia, who died as a martyr in the fourth century for her Christian beliefs, is credited with bringing light into a darkened world. Her message of hope and the light to come has long been uplifting in the dark Swedish winters and continues to be celebrated today.

The charming Santa Lucia song was heard as Annika, dressed in a red-sashed white robe with the traditional crown of candles on her head, served Swedish pepparkakor cookies to the museum guests. The star child Cadon Jacobson wore a white robe with star hat and held a star-topped scepter. Annika and Cadon paraded about the room offering treats. Cadon also gave out paper stars with Swedish words and the English translation.

All attendees were invited to sing along with traditional Swedish music, Christmas hymns and carols. Jane Lindeen, Kimberly Granback (board of directors) and Johanna Crawford helped lead the music portion. The program was completed with gift giving and lively conversation with immigrant guests from Sweden and Ecuador.

The evening was hosted by Betty Molander (president of the board of directors) and Angela Overton (museum office manager/administrative assistant) and Deb Derby (museum volunteer and docent). Dalton Overton (museum volunteer) was responsible for audio.

For anyone interested in visiting the museum and gift shop, becoming a member, making a donation or for more information please see: https://www.facebook.com/SwedesburgSwedishAmericanMuseum/ or call 319-254-2317. Email: swedish@iowatelecom.net. The museum is located at 107 James Avenue, Swedesburg, Iowa 52652.