Christmas in Sweden is still symbolised by a barrel of ale, or a drinking horn. So the emphasis on food and drink traditions was originally a pagan trait of the Christmas celebration. The Christmas tree is a custom that was imported from Germany in the 1880s. The foremer tradition of giving joke presents, often a log of wood, was replaced during the late-19th century and 20th century by Christmas gifts given out by the Christmas goat ("Julbocken") or, especially later, Santa Claus ("Jultomten"). The Christmas celebrations in Sweden usually starts with the first Advent in the end of November. However Christmas decorations and
The McGarrigle Christmas Hour Chaim Tannenbaum, Pierre Marchand, Joel Zifkin, Brad Albetta, Teddy Thompson and Beth Orton. The album was named as number 21 in the list of "40 Essential Christmas Albums" by "Rolling Stone". The tracks chosen for the album are primarily traditional Christmas carols or pop standards, although several original Christmas-themed songs written by the participants were included as well. The McGarrigle Christmas Hour The McGarrigle Christmas Hour is the tenth album by Kate & Anna McGarrigle, released in 2005. A sequel to their 1998 album "The McGarrigle Hour", the album features a program of Christmas music recorded by the McGarrigles, their