One major difference I see between Sweden and the U.S. during the holidays are the holiday lighting choices. During this time of year in the States most everyone has their Christmas lights up outside and are doing their best to outdo the neighbor's display from last year. The house with the most lights and most elaborate outdoor, life sized nativity set wins.
Although you will not see the same outdoor light displays in Sweden that does not mean that Swedes are any less festive, just a bit more tasteful. In Sweden one window in every house or apartment you pass by you will see a star like the one in the photo above. It's really interesting to just drive around and see which house picked what kind of star lantern.
