CHRISTMAS DIARIES DAY 13: SANTA LUCIA!!!

It's the Feast day of Santa Lucia, which is celebrated throughout Scandinavia. Marie teaches me to bake the traditional saffron buns and leads all of the Lalanders in a candlelit procession to the statue of Santa Lucia in the Chapel of Saint Joseph...
It's that time of year again - CHRISTMAS AT THE CHATEAU has begun! Happy Advent!
Here is the thirteenth video in our daily Advent Calendar series. Each day will bring a different surprise - but you can expect a mixture of exuberant decorations, seasonal florals, delicious food, gift ideas, musical treats and even a little Christmas carpentry...
** If you would like to see more of the lovely Marie, you can check out her Instagram here **
mariewiik1?igsh...
**Here is a link to the recipe for the saffron buns!**
• How to Make Saffron Bu...
***To download this year's Lalande wrapping paper designs, based on my father's medieval paintings, the link to the shop is***:
sellfy.com/chateau-de-lalande...
They are available at €5 per image, or €10 for four colours.
I had hoped to have the papers printed in order to sell them ready-made, but with all of the Covid postal delays that's proved impossible. I had mine printed by Zazzle, and scaled the pattern up online so that I have both regular and large scale versions here for Christmas. You're all welcome to do the same in order to have large rolls made, or to simply print them on your home printers for very small parcels! But please only use them for private (not commercial) use.
To see last year's 2019 Day 12: • THE CHATEAU ADVENT CAL...

[@chasethecat3839]

Congratulations Stephanie, Mummy, Percy, Nick and family, Michael Potts, Michael Petherick, Gerald, Oliver, Selmar, Diesel, Marie, Aluishus and sheep, Dan and all the patrons, viewers, and the regular guests who helped to make this channel a success and great entertainment. Thank you, all, for being yourselves❗🏰🍾⚘💝🎉

[@mcharlie260]

"Did you not get the dress code...it's poor, orphaned, victorian child" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@CherylSimser]

I laughed out loud at Cat's little comment. :)

[@AnnM223]

Loved her comment:)

[@terrygiang]

I love Cat so much. I live for her humor.

[@ingridpugh2129]

Kat would make a great comedian! Or comedy writer.

[@sallieredman7349]

You understood the Scandinavian dress code!

[@zpoppy1]

Your daily vlogs have helped me cope through the pandemic at a time when we would normally be socializing with friends and family. Thank you Stephanie for letting us share your world x

[@Engelhafen]

I thought you were saying thank you for avoiding family and friends 😂

[@naominadea5190]

I'm from Santa Lucia aka Saint Lucia, and this brought back lots of memories, especially the Festival of Lights which is today. The music and song is still played by the Royal St.Lucian Police Band whenever there are official celebrations on Island.

[@jaynegrunnill3705]

Thank you for that info!A beautiful island to call home.

[@karleinegraham446]

Happy Santa Lucia day to you from 🇯🇲 Jamaica and 🇺🇸 USA.

[@helenascribe210]

As a child I lived in Finland and Sweden and was always part of the Lucia procession. My favourite part was carrying a burning candle. It was a lovely celebration of light at a dark time of the year.

[@robinchurch5658]

This is such a lovely little “family”. I love learning all the different Christmas traditions and that sweet Marie was the star tonight, baking and then leading her friends into the chapel for more exquisite singing. We are so blessed to have these dear people in our lives, especially at a time like this🤗

[@marydelaney2894]

What a nice surprise today, my mother who is 91 has sung Santa Lucia all her life (Italian) she so enjoyed your advent 13 show, ThankU Tutti!

[@timothyj1966]

It is so nice the Chapel actually gets used!🕯

[@MsCaterific]

This brought me to tears 😢The song is familiar but not the history. My heart aches that so many people suffer because of the evil of men. Thank you for that La Landers, you've filled my heart with gratitude.

[@dianemick8915]

Wonderful! I love when your voices make such beautiful music in the chapel. Bless us all Saint Lucy.

[@hatshepsut8329]

It is wonderful to see the chapel really being part of the holidays this year and to be experiencing other traditions. So glad Selmar thought to bring the piano into the chapel as well. Hearing Phillip playing it brought it to life and with the new crèche it feels perfect. Good job on the buns, ladies!

[@justinfox9426]

Omg I love you all so much I completely lost it at " poor orphaned victorian child " this has been the best video HANDS DOWN EVER!!!!!!!

[@alicecomincini9244]

In some towns in the North of Italy, including my hometown, Brescia, the tradition claims that it is Saint Lucy that brings "christmas" gifts to children. Every kid wakes up on the 13th of december to find the gifts brought by the Saint during the night.

[@liesavillandre3481]

your Christian observances are touching, thanks for the reminder of what the season is.

[@LillyCharlotte7]

Beautiful indeed 👍

[@lindaanderson7507]

There are other words in addition. This is a tradition we celebrated with my late writing teacher who died in 2019 on St Lucy's day. Thanks for this.

[@jourdainjardin846]

The season for me is to celibate the end of the year and appreciate with family. It’s never been religious for my family.

[@cherryburk9029]

I am really enjoying learning about everyone’s special celebrations and customs.

[@RHoDS713]

It's so refreshing and heart-warming to watch a "vlogmas" that reminds us of what Christmas is really about. Really enjoying your Christmas Diaries this year.

[@twistgua]

Santa Lucia was one of my grandma's favorite saints, she passed away last week and this vlog meant so much to me, seeing different celebrations of this day, reading the memories of other people in this day was pretty great.

[@charlotteMT134]

💖🙏

[@mmeduplechin1577]

May your grandmother's memory be for a blessing to you, your family and all who knew her. Thank you for sharing such a sweet memory.

[@twistgua]

@@mmeduplechin1577 thank you so much for your kind words ♥️

[@mariak9727]

God bless you and your Grandmother 🙏💕

[@twistgua]

@@mariak9727 thank you :) and may he bless you too

[@heathersteeves9297]

Hi Stephanie I just had to say I subscribed to the château diaries earlier this year just because I love France and have always wanted to visit but I have to say you have all become like family. I have laughed and cried and escaped away to a chateau a couple times a week and I want to thank you all for allowing me and my family to be a small part of all your lives and making everyone seem so welcome through your videos. Merry Christmas to you all and may 2021 bring peace, happiness and togetherness back to all our lives again. God bless from Canada 🇨🇦

[@whateverjude]

My heart is so happy whenever the chapel is full of life 🙌🏿❤️

[@snoopybluejeans]

Love the traditions of the Lalanders and presenting them to us. The singing in the chapel is fantastic.

[@jenniheikkinen9080]

This year we couldn’t have Santa Lucia events at schools. But the light 🌟 will still enlighten our days, for example through your company, dear Lalanders!

[@christopherhowison5873]

So beautiful! I just love how you all share your lives and traditions with all of us. We take our daily lives/traditions for granted and figure no one wants to watch what we do. But we do! I absolutely adore Phillips giggle/chuckle. It’s makes me smile. Peace and love to all at La Lande. ❤️🇺🇸

[@Tracy_R]

The story of the saint brought tears to my eyes. You all are precious. This was very special, much love from Ohio

[@melaniemarlane3887]

Stephanie, I did not think your vlogs could get any better and then you did this year's Christmas series. The positivity you share is what the world needs most right now. ! Thank you for all of your hard work. Congratulations on 100K!!! P.S. Phillip, you were meant to be in this Christmas series. You are a natural!

[@HeavenlyImaginings]

I am so loving how everyone is sharing their own traditions and creating very magical memories

[@klt03]

I love how everyone's cultural backgrounds are celebrated. Lalande is truly a magical place!

[@teresacarle294]

😢Very sad story, but good to hear it and learn about this particular tradition. 🎼Actually recognized the song, so it was helpful to discover her history 📖. Enjoyed the promenade, singing & kitty buns too. Bless you all. ☮💛🌼

[@makaizaid1929]

i dont mean to be offtopic but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@fidausa6636]

Love the choir in the church, so beautiful. You guys need to sing more & Philip needs the play the piano more too 😃

[@MissElisabeth]

Here in our little Scandinavian corner of the US we missed having our big local Lucia presentation this year, but my kids brought lussebullar, krumkakor, pepparkakor and kannelbullar to my husband this morning with my tiny daughter in a crown with (fake) candles. Tonight we'll go to my in-laws (Farmor and Farfar) house and celebrate Luciadagen with them! So fun to see you guys do this lovely tradition as well.

[@MissElisabeth]

Update - there are few things funnier than a Lucia presentation with a four year old, two two year olds, two one year olds and and an infant. It was so sweet and SO funny.

[@MP-xf6gq]

OMG........between Marie and Phillips snort laughter's, I was doing it myself with them. hee hee hee Those both are so awesome, esp. hot Phillip. :-)

[@charlotteMT134]

Another winning time with you all. Visiting the chapel all lit up is such a treat. JOY has dancing wings. JOY sings out loud. JOY goes deep within. Thanks for the joy.

[@thirdonetoo1212]

Another wonderful visit. I love how you celebrate together, incorporating each other’s traditions. Plus you are truly a lovely choir! I’m wondering if there will be a carol sing at Christmas. Thank-you for brightening my day.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

"The little bun that could"😂🥳💞. Love these variable traditions! Many years ago, my daughter was St Lucia in the parade at school. I made her a dress out of lace curtains😂. Happy memories! xxx

[@Natasha-oz6ik]

Gosh I love this, Saint Lucia was surly a woman of true faith.

[@Marykguise]

Such a beautiful celebration! And of course, hysterical in between!! Too many funny quotes, but I think Kat’s is my favorite: “Regarding the dress code, You didn’t get the memo? It’s poor, orphaned Victorian child” 🤣 Love you all 💗

[@pattimuscarella6369]

Oh, you brighten my day, every day. I love seeing all the traditions! It's wonderful to see how people around the world celebrate the birth of our Lord. Merry Christmas to you all!! Merry Christmas to you all!

[@karleinegraham446]

Is that in the Minnesota area. Sometimes I watch the Mass from St Michaels Church and their choir on utube. I am in New York.

[@paulwitts9976]

Thank you Marie for letting us all share this with you, it was beautiful.

[@darlenesarmiento3163]

My son is a patron and introduced me to chateau diaries , and all the chateau mania! We love your enthusiasm and passion for what you do. Congratulations on your 100 🍸 Salud

[@shitzuation]

“Maree the seasoned pro, with the seasoned dough” 👏😂 omg I just died ❤️ love Phillips sense of humour

[@lorasummerwill7880]

Who does not love Phillip?

[@mariaportillo5276]

Selmar’s entrance was tooo funny 😂 dressed in white and with his dog 🐶 following! Stephanie with her cameo 😂🤣😂the dress code “poor orphan Victorian child 🧒 “ 😂😂😂oh God hilarious 😂! Love you 😘 all!!! And I love your videos and the explanations of these traditions 😘😘😘

[@debydavis5397]

Oh my goodness you guys- that was amazingly delightful- I had a little cry with you all singing in the chapel. Love the buns Marie! also Huge congrats on reaching 100K subscribers

[@francesaggarwal22]

Thank you lovely people for showing us different Christmas traditions in the videos. Its wonderful to see the customs we are not familiar with. For many of us our churches have been closed since March, either physically or because we had to shield, so it's lovely to see you all singing in the chapel. 😘

[@dwfaught]

Phillip's jokes crack me up, especially because they annoy Kat so much. His English is so good he regularly spins out funny puns and rhymes.

[@trishdagle8276]

this one brought me to tears. I wish for families passed on and age-old traditions.

[@rockyhrndz]

This is the best channel on youtube I swear. It's such a joy which is rare in today's world.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

I loved the Santa Lucia celebration, making the buns and especially singing in the chapel. It gives me such joy and hat the chapel is coming to life again...

[@evangelahernandez7602]

The snow and mist makes the intro so magical.

[@wendydennis9127]

You should rename this series, “Joy to the World”! Or at least to 100k of us!😁😘

[@debschmitt761]

So lovely to see the Scandanavan tradition and using the chapel to honor Santa lucia

[@elizacroghan4302]

St Lucy is also known as the Patron saint for visual problems.

[@hwendyhwhip8452]

So adorable how Stephanie and Marie bicker! The chapel scene just magical!

[@debimacinnis5548]

I was so moved by the singing in the church and by the sharing of traditions

[@kimphilpin1062]

You all look like a row of singing Angels. Beautiful.

[@katieirish5765]

I've especially enjoyed tonight's vlog! What a beautiful ceremony. Bless you Stephanie for using that spatula! It is so satisfying that you scraped out ALL of the ingredients. All of you in white singing in the chapel was so sweet! Thank you!!!

[@Princeali7]

I loved this video so much!!!!! Learning and seeing how others celebrate the holidays is beyond special!!! Thanks Marie and the Lalande family for sharing with all of us!!!

[@aleciaj8098]

Thank you Marie for showing how you mix it without a mixer and making it very simple and easy to understand. I’m not a baker so I get intimidated to try baking but I will try this you made it look very easy! Thank you!

[@isitmyproblem]

Stephanie just doesn't want to waste anything and I appreciate her.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Stephanie, that was beautiful. What fun baking, drinking 🍸 Champagne, dressing up, lighting candles, singing you all sounded like a wonderful choir of Saints...Merry Advent

[@branimirremenar5383]

In Croatia on Santa Lucia (or “Sveta Lucija” in Croatian) we sow some wheat in a little pot and leave it to grow until christmas. We do that as a symbol of renewal of life and fertility. According to popular belief, depending on the appearance of the sprouted wheat, ie its density and color, there will be a better or worse harvest next year. -just a little Croatian tradition for your chateau.Sending loads of love from cold Croatia🇭🇷🇭🇷❤️🎄❤️🎄

[@irenah5295]

I'm from Croatia too. Stay safe and healthy...❤

[@ehpeachylove]

I just love the beautiful music sung in the chapel. It makes my heart so happy. 😘 love how everyone shares their lives and memories. Just goes to show being a family isn’t just with your own members but with people from all counties coming together. 😘

[@bambiborel6837]

A wet hand towel underneath the board will keep the board stable 😉

[@lisabradley7770]

Just love how much we learn about other nations traditions. Thanks for another great vlog LaLande ❤️

[@rebeccasherwood5522]

Loved today’s vlog..I’m Danish so I’m also used to celebrating Lucia.Always enjoy Stephanie’s very informed talks about whatever celebration they are having xx

[@suzannehamilton1251]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You will never know how much you are all helping me at this time. 🙏🏻🙏🏻😘😘

[@BDThomas]

Phillip's snorting laughter at the antics of Stephanie and Marie totally made this video!

[@barbaradance3130]

We going to miss these Christmas diaries when they stop enjoyed them

[@CherylSimser]

Yes, I have come to rely on them as my daily sanity fix and the need for joy and laughter. :)

[@canadian_shorts]

Maybe they will have Easter diaries 🐇🐇🐇

[@NatiHerron]

The best Vlogmas channel! So grateful to have this every day, and all of everyone's hard work so bring it to us!

[@lizamartin4705]

Philip we love your comments and giggles at the camera!

[@LusterCat]

I love this episode! You all look like little angels singing in the chapel! We’re really enjoying the series!

[@ameliaalfonso-brown9948]

It was magical in the chapel ❤️Tears while you were all singing. So beautiful.

[@richardhathaway2901]

Surely the buns represent St Lucia's eyes. Especially when you put one on a plate. It would look just like the statue in the chapel!

[@Phalaenopsisify]

Actually, the "cats" are little pigs :) We just call them lussekatter for some reason.

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

One of the very best Vlogs 💛 Thank you Marie Stephanie & Phillip

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. The baking looked delicious Marie! I enjoyed the singing and patronage to St.Lucia. Beautiful! Love to all ❤

[@ellend9739]

Although I knew about Santa Lucia , it was still nice to see the celebration of light ! We so need this in the Covid time ! Thank you all for bringing us joy again La Londe sweet people ! You made my day !

[@yisimlampiris-tremba2247]

What a lovely tradition. Now I understand the story of Santa Lucia.❤️

[@connemarahandcraftedglass4059]

Stephanie, Mum, The Scots Man and all the Team have entertained us all so much through 2020. Congratulations on bringing so much cheer all the year from all of us here at Connemara Handcrafted Glass, Ireland. You are all brilliant! Stephanie we admire you so much as a Hostess! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@justcommonsenzeyo8569]

Beautifully done guys.....De La Lande is truly a place where diversity is celebrated !!!!

[@helenpalmer869]

I did catch a look of mummy when Stephanie was wearing the biscuit basket on her head😊

[@pawvkync]

I played St Lucia in my school play in elementary school. I learned so much about her, her ministry and her life. So glad to have had this opportunity in public school in the USA!

[@taitweigel64]

Mary in white with candles brought tears to my eyes. St. Lucia is lovely as are the chapel and your voices. Quite a history of St. Lucia.

[@misscharwinter2233]

Love that you are incorporating everyone's traditions💞

[@CherylSimser]

Lovely! Just Lovely! The singing in the chapel was awe inspiring and thanks to Marie, I now need to bake saffron buns that look like cats! Wish me luck. :)

[@karleinegraham446]

On this 3rd Sunday in Advent, the hymn from Hamburg, Germany sums up the mission of John the Baptist (John Chp 1). "On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh. Awake and hearken for he brings Glad tidings of the King of Kings." John, last of the Old Testament prophets, tells of the ADVENT of the one COMING after him, the. Messiah. So we rejoice, the Lord is coming soon . He comes to meet us. Blessed Advent and Happy and Holy Christmas to all!!

[@denisemarle4141]

Thank you Marie, it's wonderful to learn traditions from around the world. The buns would be great to bake, they looked beautiful but simple to make. Loved hearing the Lalande Choir in the Chapel... maybe a musical evening with Stephanie and Cat... they both sing so beautifully and enjoy it so much. Thanks to everyone for a great Advent vlog! 🕯🎄🏰

[@jf1a8x1]

I am loving the bumble bee patches on the dress...wool? Covering moth holes as mentioned in a previous advent video? ❤️ it’s as cute as can be..um bee...🤣

[@eorzeanECM]

This was just lovely. As a catholic, I appreciate how the cultures celebrate this magical season. These videos are getting me ready for Christmas. Thank you. Great content

[@deborrastrom8559]

My father use to sing that song...alot. Never understood it until now, as he was full blooded Norweigin..lol All his older siblings 6 of them could sing & at christmas this was sometimes sung..Thanks Marie for explaining this story to us..made me cry as my father & all his siblings gone. .& holidays seem empty without everyone altogether...Blessings. ( All of you singing in the chapel made me remember & smile as I cried.) db from Chicago...USA.

[@mariak9727]

🥰 Beautiful memories you have of your father & his siblings 🥰

[@jillfoster6369]

Absolutely love it when you all sing in the chapel. It really is magical.🎄🎄

[@TheFiown]

I add that when they opened her tomb over 100 years later her body was still intact, incorrupted by time.

[@healinggardens-terribowlby3129]

Wow!

[@aleta5873]

Every time we'd drive through Lucia along the central Calif. coast, I would sing Santa Lucia...hum the melody . Wonderful video and singing. Thank you all so much...

[@littad7128]

Stephanie, loving the Advent videos. Must say you look very stunningly regal in the photo for today's video. Fabulous Darling. Love it. 💗☘️

[@mmeduplechin1577]

How beautiful! This took me back to my final year of High School (USA)! The girl from Scandinavia (Foreign Exchange Student) demonstrated the Sankta/Santa Lucia celebration dressed in white & wearing a crown with LIGHTED candles in it. She carried something and sang the song of Sankta/Santa Lucia as she walked down the hall and into our classroom. Finally, I've recognized who Marie reminded me of from those many years ago. Thank you Marie Wilk for bringing back such a treasured memory.

[@Phalaenopsisify]

That's the traditional outfit, with a crown of candles (or electric candles for kids) but i guess the crown was a bit hard to find in France!

[@WillowTreePottery]

saffron is gold......so is that performance of Santa Lucia thank you all again, yes Cat's whiskers

[@chrismaraccini8108]

OK, I don't know why but tears came to my eyes when they were walking to the Chapel.

[@marydelaney2894]

Because you have a loving soul...💖

[@pattiodoherty2673]

So true,a lovely soul and an open heart!

[@chrismaraccini8108]

@@pattiodoherty2673 & mary delaney what very nice things to say.

[@camillaramstedt8051]

So lovley to have so meny talented singers in the house, and the chapel for acustics! As a swede I have some resorvations about the saffron-bun recepie, but I guess everyone have there own take on it. Lovley episode ❣️

[@cherylmason5840]

When I saw Selmar I started to sing "Wee -Willy-Winky ran threw the town", "Upstairs-Downstairs in his Nightgown....." 😁😘😂 the Evening in the Chapel was fantastic 👏🏻❣💌🇬🇧

[@kristibeisecker]

As a swede I'm so happy to see Santa Lucia :(

[@shonabologna2617]

I am moved to tears every time you all sing in the chapel. It feels wonderful to find it so emotional but I don't know why I am other than your genuine nature to share your traditions. Thank you.

[@angelahook62]

Shona Bologna I too find it very moving which surprises me each time -but it is a lovely feeling and somehow I feel connected. Thank you all at the chateau for sharing and for being so real x

[@rose-marie7351]

I too feel very moved every time they sing, especially in the chapel. Oddly i never felt move by church setting before.

[@PyroCit]

I am the same when they sing! Always full tears. I’ll admit I cry all the time, but never so involuntarily as when they sing in this chapel.

[@evahegarty741]

Grew up with celebrating Lucia every year on the 13th of December. Brings back lovely memories! Thanks for bringing it to Lalande Marie!

[@shellydsouza8902]

Your vlogs are amazing! Your story telling skills are excellent and enlightening us with traditions from around the world. You are all talented and bring warmth and good cheer to the season. Anytime you celebrate in the chapel, I get goosebumps. The history on those walls comes to life! The saffron joke..... a little ......saffron had me giggle!

[@annaibarra3447]

How beautiful, the shared tradition of St. Lucia, it was so beautiful and so happy to see each of the team LaLande. Just love it. The Christmas Advent diaries just keep bringing us such joy. Thank you soooo much LaLande.

[@jaynegrunnill3705]

That was lovely!I remember learning about the tradition in Norway.Very noble Saint.