On Santa Lucia Day itself, SWECHAM hosted its traditional Christmas dinner at the Westin Hotel. More people than ever had signed up.
The GM of The Westin Hotel, Mr. Robert Wittebrood, welcomed the guests while at the same time keeping a watchful eye on the abundant buffet. It was quite evident, that it isn’t only us Swedes who appreciate a traditional Christmas buffet. This year, the seating was arranged at round tables.
Some children were also in attendance with their parents and their eyes lit up like the sun, when they saw Santa Claus walking around.
Waiters and waitresses carried around cold beer, sponsored by Thai Brev, and soft drinks.
When everybody was seated, Mr. Peter Björk, president of the Swedish/Thai Chamber of Commerce, entered the stage and said a few well-chosen words to welcome everybody.
The volume was high, and there seemed to be no shortage of topics of conversation, the room was buzzing.
Long queues snaked their way to the buffet where smoked salmon with Hovmästarsauce (mustard sauce with dill), herring, eggs topped with shrimps or caviar, crispy bread, Pretzels and cheese, were among the starters. Main courses were of course, a classic, mildly cured ham, meatballs, Prince sausages, a Jansson’s temptation, Brussel sprouts, red cabbage, and more.
You might have heard that there is hardly any anchovy to be found in Sweden right now. It seems, we Swedes have stocked up to make sure we can prepare a proper full-flavored Jansson’s Temptation for Christmas. This dish is a must on every Swedish Christmas buffet.
Desserts were classic fruit plates, cakes and delicious saffron buns, donated by “Mammas kök”. Those buns disappeared quickly.
If you had enough of beer, there was an open bar outside on the terrace, where you could buy wine and of course, Aquavit. At a few tables, snaps songs were sung at the top of their voices.
As usual, it was possible to buy raffles and many companies had contributed fantastic prizes, let me mention some; Black Mountain Golf Resort/Hua Hin, Phaya Thai Hospital Group, SAAB, as well as Softa, Dots Coffee, Akha Ma-De and Mammas Kök.
Santa drew the raffle tickets, and many delighted guests went home with prizes.
This evening also marked the occasion to thank Anna Olsson Moore, who has been a highly driven and energetic Executive Director of the Chamber. She was presented on stage with a flower bouquet from Urban Flowers, along with warm words of appreciation delivered by Peter Björk on behalf of The Chamber, followed by generous applause from us guests. We warmly wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
And so, the evening drew to a close, with everyone seeming happy and content. A year passes quickly, and before we know it, it will be time again. The show must go on.
A Merry Christmas & A Happy, Healthy New year 2026!
Enjoy a few photos from the event below:
