Every year SACC-SF does its best to create that special Christmas feeling. "Our hope is that every guest leaves the beautiful Westin St. Francis, in the center of San Francisco, with a little more warmth in their hearts—reminded or newly introduced to our old, strange and beloved Swedish customs."
On the 32nd floor, with a magnificent panoramic view, 130 invited guests enjoyed the colorful blend of herring, aquavit, Swedish Christmas carols, mulled wine, Janssons Frestelse, a Lucia pageant and a raffle featuring stunning prizes. Every person with an inch of blue and yellow running through their veins who saw the giant Swedish flag facing Union Square felt extra warm on December 11 as they entered the Westin St Francis, realizing with a smile: “It is that time of year again ….”
Christmas is the time we all remember our heritage the most, and more thoughts and blessings than any other time of the year go out to our loved ones. In spite of the fact that we are many, many miles away from our Nordic degrees of latitude, SACC-SF tries hard to make everyone feel like they were at a gathering in Örkelljunga, Västerås, Piteå or wherever their thoughts might go.
The luncheon was—as always—built around a delicious and authentic three course Swedish menu complemented with all the appropriate drinks. Letting everyone rest their vocal cords (only after singing Helan Går multiple times), Zaida singers performed Christmas carols a cappella, an act that was followed by a surprise Lucia pageant. The SACC-SF interns and board member Eva Alexandersson staged it, all stepping up to keep the Lucia tradition alive. This Lucia pageant will not go down in history as the most Christmassy, but in its own way it was humorous and greatly appreciated.
Member of the Year was Mr. Ted Olsson, awarded for his enthusiasm and long standing commitment to SACC-SF/SV.
After the guests had enjoyed rice pudding for dessert it was time to pick our winners in the Winter Wonderland Raffle. With tension in the air, Nils Welin, executive director of SACC-SF, drew winners for prizes ranging from hotel stays and wine tastings in Napa, to the Grand Prize: two round trips to Sweden on SAS, including a two-night stay at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. The happy winners of this prize were SACC-SF’s business members Wendy Scott and Kelly Smith. A couple who went to Uppsala University back in the day and are now thrilled to be going again. Can you blame them? It is hard to image a more wonderful winter adventure ….
