Blog | York Anglo-Scandinavian Society

Sankta Lucia leading a candlelit procession through York Minster during the annual Lucia service. Photo by Caroline Key.

Remembering Sankta Lucia, as the Year draws to a close

A moment to pause and remember a candlelit Sankta Lucia evening.

Millie

Dec 31, 20253 min read

Christmas Crafting the Scandinavian Way

by Amy Sinar, age 13, from York "I know it’s only November," but Saturday honestly felt like Christmas had already arrived—Scandinavian style. The York Anglo-Scandinavian Society held a Christmas craft event at the Norwegian Study Centre, and about fifty people showed up. It felt like stepping into a tiny Nordic village for the afternoon and it was a-mazing! When we walked in, the first thing I noticed was the giant screen showing a crackling fire, like those cosy TV fireplac

Millie

Nov 19, 20253 min read

A Cosy Christmas in Norway

by Amy Sinar, age 13, from York Hello! Like most people, I absolutely love Christmas – the lights, the decorations, the food, and the feeling that something special is just around the corner. But recently, I learned about how Christmas is celebrated in Norway, and I have to say, it sounds magical. In Norway, Christmas is called “Jul” , and it’s much more than just a single day – it’s a whole season. The celebrations start with Advent , four Sundays before Christmas Eve. On e

Millie

Nov 17, 20252 min read

Astrid Lindgren: The Swedish Author Who Gave the World Pippi Longstocking

By Amy Sinar age 12 When I first read about Astrid Lindgren, I was amazed by how much of an impact one writer could have on children’s literature—not just in Sweden, but all around the world. Best known for creating the iconic character Pippi Longstocking, Lindgren is considered one of the most influential children’s authors of the 20th century. Astrid Lindgren was born in Sweden in 1907 and grew up in the countryside, which inspired many of her stories. She began writing sto

Beck Sinar

Nov 2, 20252 min read

Thom’s Scandinavian journey and the making of "Patch" York

In 2016, Thom and his wife Poppy were living and working in London. Both originally from York, they were beginning to wonder what life outside the capital might look like. Six months after the Brexit referendum, that question became real when Poppy was approached by a recruiter at Spotify.

Millie

Oct 31, 20254 min read

Sankta Lucia – A Festival of Light returns to York Minster

Monday 15 December 2025, 7pm The glow of candlelight will once again fill York Minster this December as we gather for one of the city’s most atmospheric traditions — Sankta Lucia, A Festival of Light . Each winter, as the nights grow longer, this much-loved Scandinavian celebration brings together light, hope and togetherness in the heart of York. Now in its twelfth year at the Minster, the service has become a highlight of the festive season for many — a chance to pause, ref

Millie

Oct 28, 20252 min read

The Curious and Wonderful History of the Moomins

by YASS family member Amy Sinar, age 12 When most people think of trolls, they picture something grumpy and living under a bridge. But the Moomins are nothing like that. They’re white, soft, hippo-shaped creatures (though they’re technically trolls), and they’ve been the stars of some of the most imaginative and heartfelt stories ever written. I first discovered them when I was younger, and even now, I still go back to their world whenever I need a bit of comfort – or adventu

Millie

Oct 13, 20252 min read

Meeting Karin Sjölin and the story of SveaBritt

On a very rainy Monday evening in York, Caroline Key (YASS committee member) and I made our way through the puddles to meet Karin Sjölin Frudd, former Chair of SveaBritt. Karin and her husband Nigel live in London but also keep an apartment in York — Nigel is originally from Leeds, while Karin comes from Gävle, north of Stockholm.

Millie

Oct 5, 20254 min read