Goran and Zohra’s Hybrid Christmas
Goran Bosevski and Zohra Fahim Bosevska embrace a vibrant and eclectic Christmas celebration, their home adorned with a dazzling, disco-ball-like Christmas tree. Their festive philosophy centers around maximizing joy and honoring diverse traditions. Their Christmas is a fusion of Swedish, Macedonian, and a touch of Zohra’s Moroccan heritage, creating a unique blend of customs and flavors. Zohra, originally from Casablanca, met Goran, who has North Macedonian roots, in Lund, Sweden, where they raised their two now-adult children. Maintaining a tradition from their children’s younger years, they spread out gift-giving to prolong the anticipation and excitement. They believe that creating a new family inevitably leads to the birth of new traditions, a phenomenon amplified when different cultures intertwine. Their blended heritage forms the bedrock of their family’s identity, resulting in a tapestry of customs that are uniquely theirs. This year’s celebration deviates from the norm, as the entire family embarks on a trip to Morocco as a collective Christmas gift.
Their Christmas dinner is a culinary adventure, designed to cater to everyone’s palate. Traditional Swedish dishes like salmon and meatballs share the table with sushi, accommodating those who aren’t fond of herring. Later in the evening, Zohra prepares a Moroccan-spiced turkey, followed by an array of desserts, including ris à la Malta and baklava. This multicultural approach reflects their commitment to inclusivity and their desire to celebrate the diverse influences within their family. Their festive décor, as exemplified by their flamboyant Christmas tree, further underscores their playful and spirited approach to Christmas. Their commitment to creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere is at the heart of their celebrations.
Elisabeth’s Kiwi Christmas
Elisabeth Reuterswärd, a Stockholm native who has lived in Lund since the 1970s, holds cherished memories of her childhood in New Zealand. Her family emigrated there in 1951 when she was ten, a journey that involved packing their belongings into containers and embarking on a month-long transatlantic voyage. A significant piece of her New Zealand heritage is a dense, fruit-laden Christmas cake, a treasured tradition she maintains to this day. This weighty cake, packed with dried fruits and berries, is a labor of love for Elisabeth, and she often shares the decorating process with her granddaughter. The cake is adorned with a white icing, Maori greetings, and traditional Christmas messages.
Returning to Sweden at the age of 25, Elisabeth faced the challenge of rebuilding her life in her native land. She married, had three children, and eventually divorced. Many Christmases were spent with her in-laws and extended family, resulting in large, lively gatherings filled with music and merriment. This year, Elisabeth, at 84, is claiming Christmas as her own, choosing to prioritize her personal preferences. She yearns for a Christmas that reflects her individual desires, emphasizing glögg and a focus on joy and fun. This signifies a shift towards embracing her own traditions and creating a Christmas experience that resonates deeply with her personal history and desires.
Ferdinand’s Family-Focused Christmas
Ferdinand Medin, recently relocated with his girlfriend, cherishes a unique Christmas tradition centered around a handmade advent calendar. Each year, his mother, assuming the role of the "advent elf," delivers a calendar brimming with treats, marking the countdown to Christmas. His Christmas celebrations kick off two weeks prior with a glögg party at his grandmother’s house, complete with homemade pies. Christmas Eve morning finds the family attending a traditional Christmas play at church, a ritual steeped in family history and a source of comfort for Ferdinand, despite not identifying as religious.
Ferdinand’s Christmas dinner revolves around a special dish: rice pudding with orange sauce, a family favorite. The festivities also include a quirky gift exchange where presents must be either recycled or edible, promoting fun and frugality. Ferdinand’s Christmas is anchored in family connections, creating a sense of belonging and shared experience. These traditions, from the advent calendar to the church play and the unique Christmas meal, underscore the importance of family in shaping his holiday experience.
Marika’s Macedonian-Swedish Christmas
Marika Stavreska, originally from Bitola, North Macedonia, immigrated to Sweden with her husband 68 years ago. While she appreciates Swedish Christmas traditions, she also maintains a connection to her Macedonian Orthodox roots. Although not strictly religious, she acknowledges the influence of religion and culture in shaping Christmas celebrations. Marika celebrates both the Swedish Christmas in December and the Macedonian Orthodox Christmas on January 6-7, sometimes enjoying two Christmas celebrations if the Macedonian Christmas falls on a weekend. Having grown accustomed to the Swedish Christmas, which coincided with the holiday season, she embraces it as a time for family and community.
Marika’s Macedonian Christmas table features sarma, cabbage rolls made with sour cabbage, as the centerpiece. She also longs for roasted or boiled chestnuts, a childhood Christmas staple that evokes nostalgia. While finding chestnuts in Sweden during the winter season can prove challenging, they remain a significant part of her Christmas memories. Her Christmas decorations, while scaled back from the days when her children were young, still include cherished handmade ornaments from her children and grandchildren.
In conclusion, each of these individuals and families demonstrates the diverse and evolving nature of Christmas celebrations. They blend traditions from different cultures and generations, creating unique experiences that reflect their personal histories and values. From hybrid celebrations to treasured recipes and cherished rituals, these stories highlight the enduring power of Christmas to bring people together and create lasting memories.
