Meal and a Movie: Julkalender

Technically, Julkalender (Christmas Calendar) isn't a movie. It is an annual event: a Swedish miniseries marking the beginning of Advent. Since 1960 this beloved tradition has entertained audiences across Sweden. Each year the programs celebrate Jul with humor and poignancy. Read Swedish Blog's explanation from last year here and watch a clip from my favorite year, 1991's "Sunes Jul." You can also read the most recent Swedish Blog post about this year's Julkalender.

I've only seen a few of these, but thanks to the Internet this tradition travels everywhere now. Check out svt.se to watch this year's program Tjuvarnas Jul (Christmas Thieves). No matter what time of the day you settle in to watch, gravlax flatbread (a.k.a. lefse pizza) is always the perfect accompaniment, as is a glass of warm glögg.

Gravlax Flatbread
Brush a generous amount of olive oil on each side of a lefse or flatbread round; bake in moderate oven (around 325 degrees) on both sides until just crisp but do not burn. Remove from oven and top with sour cream or creme fraiche, fresh dill and chives, gravlax, caviar, capers, pickled cucumbers and red onion.