How to Celebrate St. Lucy’s Feast Day (December 13)

St. Lucy’s Feast Day, celebrated on December 13, is a wonderful occasion to embrace the spirit of light and hope during the Advent season. St. Lucy, known for her faith and courage, is the patroness of the blind and those with eye ailments. In many parts of the world, this feast day is a celebration of light, often with beautiful traditions involving food, activities, and family time. Here’s how you can celebrate St. Lucy’s feast day with your children, incorporating fun activities, traditional foods, and even some of our printables!

1. St. Lucy’s Feast Day Printables

To engage children in the celebration, we have created several St. Lucy-themed printables that make it easy to incorporate fun activities into your day. These printables are great for bringing the story of St. Lucy to life and making the feast day more interactive for kids. They include printable St. Lucy crown, mini star boy hat and wand, and a coloring page of St. Lucy. 

2. Traditional Foods: S-Rolls or Cinnamon Rolls & Breakfast in Bed

A delicious tradition associated with St. Lucy’s Feast Day is the eating of S-rolls, also known as Lucia buns or cinnamon rolls. In Scandinavian countries, St. Lucy is often honored with a special breakfast where children serve their family warm, sweet rolls. The rolls are shaped like the letter “S” (for St. Lucy) and are typically flavored with saffron and cardamom, giving them a beautiful golden color.

In addition to S-rolls, cinnamon rolls are another tasty option to enjoy on St. Lucy’s feast day, especially if you prefer a simpler version. Either way, enjoy these sweet treats as part of a bed-in-breakfast tradition where the family gathers to enjoy a cozy morning meal together. 

Breakfast in bed is a traditional activity for St. Lucy’s Feast Day, especially in Scandinavian countries like Sweden. On this day, children—usually daughters—dress up as St. Lucy, wearing a crown of candles, and bring breakfast to their family in bed. While the tradition may not directly stem from St. Lucy bringing food with a crown of candles to Christians in the catacombs, it certainly evokes a similar spirit of service, light, and generosity. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate her role as a symbol of light and kindness.

3. Wear St. Lucy’s Wreath and Star Boy Hats

One of the most beloved traditions of St. Lucy’s Feast Day is the wearing of the St. Lucy wreath and star boy hats. Children can wear a wreath with candles to honor St. Lucy’s connection to light and the way she brought light into the lives of others through her faith. If your boys enjoy dressing up, they can also wear the star boy hats and carry wands, representing the star that led the way for Christ. We have printable versions in the St. Lucy Activity Bundle. 

These fun and festive accessories add a special touch to the celebration and give children a chance to embody the light that St. Lucy represents.

4. Light the Christmas Tree

On St. Lucy’s Feast Day, it’s a perfect time to light your Christmas tree if you haven’t already. This simple act symbolizes the light of Christ, which St. Lucy so deeply embodied in her own life. Gather the family around the tree, say a prayer, and then light the tree together. It’s a beautiful moment of unity and reflection, reminding everyone of the light that comes into the world during the Advent season.

5. Go See Christmas Lights

St. Lucy’s Feast Day is also a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the Christmas lights in your neighborhood or at a nearby light display. Bundle up and take a walk to see the lights twinkle in the night, symbolizing the light of Christ shining in the darkness. This activity is a perfect way to enjoy the season, especially if you live in an area where Christmas lights are a big tradition.

6. Eat Dinner by Candlelight

As the day draws to a close, consider celebrating by eating dinner by candlelight. This tradition symbolizes the light of Christ and is a way to honor St. Lucy’s devotion to God and her role as a symbol of light. Set the table with candles, dim the lights, and enjoy a simple meal together as a family. It’s a peaceful and reflective way to end the day, bringing the family together in both prayer and celebration.

By using our printables, enjoying traditional foods, and engaging in activities that honor the light of Christ, you can make St. Lucy’s Feast Day a meaningful and joyful celebration in your home. Whether you’re dressing up, baking together, or taking a walk to see the Christmas lights, these traditions will help bring the light of St. Lucy into your Advent season.