"In Scandinavia, the winter is long dark and cold, which is why light and the sun is treasured in these parts. In the lands of the Scandinavians, a tradition of fire and ice has been passed down from generation to generation. Every winter many families in some parts of Scandinavia, build a snow lantern."

from Jolablot

"A snölykta or Swedish snow lantern can be made when there's enough kramsnö (snow that can be squished together to make snowballs, formed at 0C or slightly higher temperatures) to make several snöbollar (snowballs), but instead of using these as ammunition in a snowball fight, they are put to a more wholesome use. You can build a pyramid or tower shape out of the balls, and place a candle or tealight (or several, if your lantern is big enough) in the centre." 

Swedish word of the day