 An early morning Christmas tradition started the holiday season for members of the American Swedish Institute in Bemidji. People gathered at Cavalry Lutheran Church for the 42nd annual Sanka Lucia Festival. The festival is known as the Festival of Lights as it coincides with the darkest time of the year. For Taylor Seiger, being able to represent Sanka Lucia is a dream come true. It means a lot. Like I've always wanted to be Santa Lucia ever since I started as a little in the Toon Dequire. So I'm really like proud and happy to be Santa Lucia this year. The festival featured music, food and other Swedish traditions. For members of the American Swedish Institute festivals like this keep old traditions alive and educate future generations. It's important, very important to keep our Swedish traditions going. It keeps a connection between our country and Sweden. Following this morning's program, Sanka Lucia visited children at local elementary schools. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.