WHERE: The Lutheran Church, St. Armand’s Circle

DATE: December 13, 2026 at 3 PM for participants (celebration starts at 6 PM)

CO-CHAIRS:

Johanna Gustafsson and Therese Holmberg

 INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPATING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

1. Registration
If your child would like to participate, please text Johanna Gustafsson at 941-504-2066 by Sunday, October 11 at the latest. Please include your child’s full name.

2. Minimum age and participation
Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. They must be able to stand quietly during the entire celebration and follow instructions. If a child is not yet ready to do so, we kindly ask that they wait until a future year to participate.

3. Songs
All participants are expected to learn the songs and participate in the singing during the ceremony. This is an important part of being in the Lucia procession.

4. Candles
Participants must be at least 13 years old to carry a lit candle. Younger participants will use electric candles.

5. Practice attendance
Participants must attend at least 5 of the 6 scheduled practices. Naturally, absences due to illness will be understood.

6. Lucia gowns and clothing
We have a selection of white gowns available to borrow. These will be brought to the first two practices only, so please select a gown at one of those sessions.

If you do not borrow a gown from our collection, you will be responsible for providing your own. Please make sure all gowns are clean and ironed for the celebration.

Participants should wear white socks and neutral/tan undergarments that will not show through the white gowns.

Glitter, candles, and Star Boy stars will be provided on the day of the celebration.

7. Illness
If you or your child is sick, please stay home. We appreciate your consideration for the other participants and families.

8. Musical talents
If your child plays an instrument or has singing experience and would be interested in performing a solo, please let us know when registering.

9. Dinner on Lucia Day
On the day of the celebration, dinner will be provided for all participants between the final practice and the performance.

10. First practice and pizza
Pizza will be served at 4:00 PM before the first practice. Practice will begin promptly at 4:30 PM.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Participants must attend at least 5 of the 6 sessions.

Please be respectful of everyone’s time and arrive early enough to be ready when practice begins. In previous years, practices have sometimes been delayed while waiting for late arrivals. With a large group of children and volunteers, starting on time is very important and greatly appreciated.

Sunday, November 1 — 4:30 PM*
Pizza will be served at 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 8 — 4:30 PM*

Sunday, November 15 — 4:30 PM

Sunday, November 29 — 4:30 PM

Sunday, December 6 — 4:30 PM

Sunday, December 13 — 3:00 PM
Final practice and Lucia Celebration

For questions, please contact Johanna Gustafsson at 941-504-2066