What do you get when you cross a Christmas wreath, burning candles and a young girl?

Santa Lucia! Always falling on December 13th.

And yes, it’s true, I was Santa Lucia one year. (Actually twice in one year – once for the actual tradition and once for Halloween. Try explaining that costume to your friends at school.)

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know what I was doing. I was given the outfit, told to walk slowly around in a circle with a wreath carrying burning candles and then… I’m not sure what else. I think I was too traumatized that there was potential of a burning candle falling on my head. (Fine. They were fake candles, but it's still, a nerve-racking experience)

I wore my hair like this too... Which brings me to another story. Remember that American Girl Doll craze? Well, I read all of the books and my fave was Kirsten because we looked alike. Then, like every little girl, I wanted the doll. However, my mom convinced me that I was too old for dolls. Then, like every little girl who wants to be a big girl, I agreed with her and decided to get my fix when I hung out with my younger cousin.

Fast forward 20 years. I was chattin' it up with my girlfriends and somehow the topic of American Girl dolls came up. I was the first to chime in, "Oh yeah, I totally read those books. Too bad we were too old to get the dolls when they finally came out."

My comment was met with confused faces. Then slowly, "Umm, I had one." "Yeah, so did I." "I got Samantha."

Touche, Mom. One day if my daughter asks for a $100 doll, I'll respond accordingly. You're one quick lady!

pics via and via