I am from a Swedish decent and I consider it one of the more interesting aspects of who I am and my background. My grandmother was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden in 1944 and moved to the United States when she was 20 to start a family and career. Most of that side of my family still lives in Sweden. I have visited my family there a few times, and every time I go I feel more connected to not only my family but the Swedish people. Life there is simple and magical- a way of living that is unlike most lifestyles in the United States, and one I strive to have. To celebrate the Swedish culture in the US, my family incorporates the traditions during Christmas. The part of the family that lives in the US comes together in one city to celebrate Christmas both the American and Swedish way. On Christmas night, we have the same dinner meal every year, called Smörgåsbord. This dinner consists of Christmas ham, Prinskorv (sausage), Swedish herring, with some potatoes and peas. Lastly, we have Glögg on Christmas night, which is a Swedish infused wine, with a few raisins and blanched almonds added to enhance the rich taste. Having this tradition every year makes me excited and proud to embrace the Swedish heritage. I love visiting Sweden and learning about my family's background. There is a B&B outside of Sweden that my family has visited many times before that used to be owned by my great-great-great-great grandmother who still apparently “exists” as a ghost in the house, which was really interesting (and spooky) to learn about. I love learning about the Swedish culture because it is part of who I am!