The soft, pale light of early morning filtered through the curtains as Lois wandered into the living room. She felt the quiet hum of the season settling in around her, like the calm before a storm. Clark was already there, flipping through some papers on the couch, his brow furrowed in concentration.
“Good morning, sunshine,” Lois said with a teasing smile as she sipped her coffee, leaning against the doorframe before walking over to kiss her husband.
Clark looked up, his face brightening instantly. “Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
Lois smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, considering someone was very intent on keeping me awake last night, I’d say I managed a few hours of rest.”
Clark chuckled, a playful glint in his eye. “I don’t remember hearing any complaints.”
“Who said I was complaining?” she quipped, leaning in to kiss him again.
Then she walked to the advent calendar and quickly located the bag with the thirteen on it and began to open it. She pulled out a small, delicate crown made of greenery, with tiny faux candles on it.
“I think I’ve seen something like this before,” she mused.
He chuckled, his eyes dancing with excitement. “Well, we’ve got a Swedish tradition today: St. Lucia’s Day.”
Lois’ curiosity piqued. “St. Lucia?”
Clark laughed. “On St. Lucia’s Day, Swedish girls often wear a crown like this and serve their family members breakfast in bed. It’s a tradition that symbolizes light and hope during the darkest time of the year.”
Lois examined the crown, smiling slightly. “Tempting, but it’s a bit… late for breakfast in bed, since we’re both already up.”
“Well,” Clark said, “the story behind St. Lucia is that she was a young woman who brought food to the Christians hiding in the catacombs. To light the way, she wore a crown of candles on her head. It’s a symbol of selfless service, bringing light to others.”
Lois pondered that for a moment. “Sounds like something you’d do.”
Clark shrugged, a modest smile on his face. “I try.”
Lois shook her head with a smile of her own. “Alright, what are we doing?”
Clark’s smile deepened. “Well, I thought we could bring a little light to someone else today. I know of a local senior center that doesn’t get much foot traffic around the holidays. They’re always looking for volunteers to help out with their holiday festivities.”
Lois’ face softened. “You want us to be the St. Lucia for the elderly?”
Clark nodded. “Exactly. It’s about sharing what you have, whether it’s your time, a smile, or a little holiday cheer.”
They spent the next few hours baking Swedish lussekatter, saffron buns shaped like the letter “S,” and preparing small baskets with treats to bring to the senior center. Lois found herself in a much lighter mood as they worked together, the warm scent of the buns filling the kitchen.
When they arrived at the center, the friendly staff greeted them with enthusiasm. Lois and Clark donned festive hats, a last-minute addition from Clark, and began making their rounds.
The residents were delighted, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the couple. Lois found herself exchanging holiday anecdotes with a woman named Eleanor, who regaled her with tales of Christmases spent in a bustling London during wartime.
Clark, meanwhile, drew a small crowd of admirers. “You’re much too handsome to be volunteering here,” one of the women teased, laughing. Clark took the compliment in stride, his easy charm putting everyone at ease.
At one point, Lois found herself sitting with a woman named Ruth, who had a twinkle in her eye despite the years. Ruth grasped Lois’ hand with surprising strength. “You know, dear, sometimes the light we give is the light we need most. Thank you for sharing yours with us.”
Lois blinked, caught off guard by the wisdom in Ruth’s words. “You’re welcome. Honestly, I think I’m getting as much out of this as you are.”
Elsewhere, Clark was helping another resident, James, hang ornaments on a small tree in the common room. “Used to do this every year with my wife,” James said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
“Well,” Clark replied gently, “we’ll make sure this tree looks just as perfect as the ones you used to decorate together.”
As the afternoon wore on, Lois and Clark found themselves immersed in the spirit of the season.
When they finally left the senior center, their hearts a little fuller than when they arrived, Lois turned to Clark. “You were right. Sometimes light is about more than just candles. It’s about showing up, about making a difference where you can.”
Clark smiled, his expression warm. “Exactly. It’s a tradition that never gets old.”
Lois chuckled. “You know, I think I might finally be leaving my Grinch phase when it comes to Christmas.”
Clark grinned, taking her hand as they walked to the car, the lingering glow of the day wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.
