Cobblestone Church celebrating ‘Simply Christmas’ this Saturday

Photos contributed by Maarit Vaga: Maarit Vaga, secretary of the Cobblestone Society, took this snapshot of an old Swedish Christmas card. The words “God Jul” mean “Good Christmas.” Vaga will share traditions of a Scandinavian Christmas in a program titled, “Simply Christmas,” at the Cobblestone Museum on Saturday. (Right) This is Maarit Vaga’s daughter’s doll dressed as Saint Lucia, a Scandinavian Christmas tradition which will be celebrated Saturday at the Cobblestone Museum.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will present an inaugural special holiday event titled “Simply Christmas” at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Cobblestone Church at 14389 Ridge Rd. West.

The program will feature Maarit Vaga, an Albion resident of Scandinavian heritage. She will share her native Christmas traditions in the church, which will be adorned in period decorations.

Vaga explained, “On Dec. 13th, every school, church, care home and office across Sweden will have a visit from a ‘Luciatag’ procession of singers dressed in white gowns and carrying candles, led by Saint Lucia herself.”

Although this Swedish custom was established in the 19th century, the first recorded appearance of Saint Lucia dates back to 1764, Vaga said. A Christian feast day, it commemorates the martyr Lucia of Syracuse (in the Roman Republic), who, as legend has it, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head. Traditionally, the oldest daughter of the family assumes the role of Lucia, with the younger siblings making up the entourage, bringing a breakfast tray of coffee and fresh baked goods to the parents in bed.

Saturday’s program will include the Lucia procession, some readings, several musical performances and audience sing-along carols. The program will last about 45 minutes, after which a reception with Scandinavian treats will be served in the Proctor Room on the lower level of the church. A free will offering will be taken.

Also on the lower level is the Museum’s Holiday Gift Shoppe, which will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. According to Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the museum, “Hundreds of new or gently used Christmas theme books and miscellaneous items are available at incredibly low prices, such as artificial trees and wreaths, tree ornaments, paper goods, decorations, candles, mugs, indoor/outdoor lights, stockings and hangars and much more.”

Photo contributed by Sue Bonafini: The sanctuary of the Cobblestone Church is elegantly decorated for the holiday season and Saturday’s presentation of “Simply Christmas.”