Ward, Maria

Maria Elde Ward is a fourth-grade teacher and lives with her family in Skokie, Illinois, and is a member of North Park Covenant Church in Chicago. She previously served as the office manager for the Swedish-American Historical Society based at North Park University, and has enjoyed being part of numerous Lucia celebrations at North Park and several congregations. She and her family also maintain a modestly-sized herd of Dala horses at home.

A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse (Fall/Winter 2025-26)

There are pockets of Swedish Christmas all over the United States, including at First Covenant Church in Seattle where author Sonja Anderson raised her family, and they are special sources of light, hope, and joy in this season for all who find them, Scandinavian or otherwise. All families who celebrate Christmas and appreciate learning about world cultures and traditions can enjoy reading and perusing Anderson’s new book, “A Christmas Wish for Little Dala Horse: A Saint Lucia Celebration.”