Whilst many of us might traditionally associate certain characters with the Christmas season, whether that be Jesus, Santa Claus, reindeer, or robins, amongst many others, one character lauded by some people might surprise you, as Donald Duck plays an important part in their celebrations.
Watching Donald Duck cartoons on Christmas Eve is a beloved tradition in Sweden, and it has been a part of Swedish Christmas celebrations for over 60 years. The tradition began in 1959 when the Swedish public broadcaster, Sveriges Television (SVT), aired the American Christmas special “From All of Us to All of You” for the first time. The special, which features a collection of Disney cartoons including several starring Donald Duck, was an instant hit with Swedish viewers, and it has been broadcast every Christmas Eve at 3:00 PM ever since.
There are several reasons why Donald Duck has become such an important part of Swedish Christmas celebrations. For one, the cartoons are simply entertaining and enjoyable to watch, and they provide a welcome respite from the stress and busyness of the holiday season. Additionally, the cartoons have become a nostalgic tradition for many Swedes, who fondly remember watching them with their families as children.
The Donald Duck cartoons also have a deeper significance for many Swedes. They represent a time of innocence and simplicity, and they evoke a sense of hygge, the Danish and Norwegian word for a feeling of coziness and contentment. In a country where Christmas is often associated with darkness and cold, the bright and cheerful Donald Duck cartoons provide a welcome dose of warmth and light.
In recent years, there has been some debate about whether the Donald Duck cartoons are still appropriate for Swedish Christmas celebrations. Some people argue that the cartoons are outdated and no longer relevant, while others believe that they are an important part of Swedish culture and should be preserved. Despite this debate, the tradition of watching Donald Duck cartoons on Christmas Eve remains strong, and it is likely to continue for many years to come.
(Part of this article was created by Google Bard, AI, subsequently edited by a human)