An old Scandinavian tradition is making the birds happy in Ballard in the form of the juleneks made by Kristine Leander.

There are 46 of them in the Ballard business district. Overall, Leander has produced 275 this year, with homeowners in the area buying them to place on their trees.

Many Scandinavian seniors can remember the juleneks being hung in Norway, Denmark and Sweden and it brings back memories. "It's very exciting. I see the older people getting excited," said Leander.

The juleneks are also called sheaves. Generations of Scandinavians believe that taking care of animals and spirits in the winter brings good luck and a bountiful harvest in the summer.

Leander gets her sheaves of grain from Skagit Valley, where her family immigrated to and became farmers. "It allows me to be in touch with farmers in Skagit Valley and my Skagit Valley roots," said Leander.

She has been doing this for the last 13 years. Starting in August, Leander visits the farms to harvest wheat. They are stored indoors to dry.

When they are ready, Leander ties them with twine and a bright red ribbon.

While putting the juleneks up, people walk up to Leander. "They like it. They like the idea that it is not commercial and it feeds the birds. It is a natural decoration," said Leander.