Mark Levengood, the designated Christmas host for Swedish television, carries a profound affection for the festive season, a sentiment rooted in the sensory memories of his childhood. The aroma of pine resin from freshly cut Christmas trees, the spice of clove-studded oranges, and the warm fragrance of gingerbread baking filled his childhood home, creating an anticipation so intense that sleep became a distant dream. He cherishes these olfactory reminders and aims to infuse his own Christmas broadcast with a genuine sense of warmth, symbolized this year by a real Christmas tree replacing the usual artificial stand-in necessitated by the unforgiving gaze of high-definition cameras.
Levengood’s enthusiasm for Christmas extends beyond the conventional timeframe. His home transforms into a winter wonderland in late October, complete with a magnificent nativity scene that would dwarf most living rooms. He dismisses those who criticize early decorating as needlessly restrictive, advocating for personal expression and joy in the build-up to the holiday. This open-mindedness, however, has its limits. He draws a firm line at pre-Christmas indulgence in traditional Christmas fare. While enjoying individual elements like beetroot salad earlier in December is acceptable, the full festive feast, he insists, should be reserved for Christmas Eve itself. He extends this discerning palate to beverages, eschewing glögg (mulled wine) for its cloying sweetness in favor of champagne, and reserving particularly strong disapproval for sparkling glögg, a concoction he deems utterly repulsive.
Recognizing the challenging year many have faced, Levengood approaches his role as Christmas host with a sincere desire to offer comfort and inclusivity through the television screen. He acknowledges the potential for words like ”warmth” to sound clichéd, especially when delivered through a television, but emphasizes his commitment to creating a genuinely heartwarming broadcast. He envisions his broadcast catering to different audiences: for some, a comforting background presence during family gatherings, and for others, particularly those spending Christmas alone, a more direct and engaging companion. He aims to modulate his tone throughout the evening, adopting a more general approach during peak viewing times like the airing of ”Kalle Anka” (Disney’s Christmas special), and a more intimate and personal tone later in the evening.
Levengood advocates for a relaxed approach to Christmas, encouraging viewers to shed the pressure of perfection and embrace the flexibility of evolving traditions. He criticizes the rigid adherence to rules and ”must-dos” that often lead to pre-holiday stress. He learned this easygoing attitude from his mother, who pragmatically suggested that a lit candle could mask imperfections, reminding everyone that the true essence of Christmas lies in togetherness, not flawless execution. This philosophy resonates with his belief that adapting traditions and letting go of unrealistic expectations can create a more enjoyable and meaningful Christmas experience.
His musical selections for the Christmas broadcast reflect his personal tastes and his desire to provide a diverse and resonant soundtrack for the evening. He champions Sibelius for his ability to tap into Scandinavian sentimentality, recalling a humorous childhood memory of a church cantor’s consistently flawed rendition of ”O Holy Night” during Christmas Eve service, a shared moment of amusement with his grandmother. He also includes a touch of Hawaiian warmth with Bing Crosby’s ”Mele Kalikimaka,” adding an unexpected yet delightful twist to the traditional Christmas repertoire. His choices aim to blend the familiar with the unexpected, mirroring his overall approach to Christmas.
Levengood, born in the USA to a US Marine father and a Finnish mother, relocated to Finland in his youth before settling in Sweden at age 19. He embarked on a successful media career in Sweden, studying theater and radio production, becoming a well-known radio and television personality. He hosted popular programs like ”Mark Levengood and his friends” and ”Aha! said Mark Levengood,” presented the Melodifestivalen (Sweden’s Eurovision Song Contest selection process) three times, and has been a Sommarvärd (Summer Host) on Swedish radio seven times. This year marks his debut as the Christmas host for SVT, a role he approaches with a blend of enthusiasm, sincerity, and a unique perspective on the festive season.
