Christmas in Finland and Some Traditions

Of the many holidays celebrated through out Finland the biggest has to be Christmas in Finland.Christmas in Finland is the most important of all the annual holidays .Much as in the UK it consists of Christmas Eve,Christmas Day and Boxing Day.Though Boxing Day is known as St.Stephen`s Day.All these days are counted as public holidays through Christmas in Finland.Many people on holiday in Finland at this time of year often are amazed and surprised at the serene quietness and how few people are out and about

The Origins of Christmas in Finland

To find the origins of Christmas in Finland one has to look to pre-Christian times.Way back when the Vikings of the Nordic Countries celebrated pagan Winter Solstice on the 21st of December.This solstice would involve heavy drinking and eating,even exchanging their maidens,sacrificing animals to the gods and competing in games and tournaments

It can be seen that Christmas in Finland also originates from a pagan festival called “Kekri”.Then Kekri was celebrated every November until the arrival of Christianity in Finland in he 12th century.It was at this time that Christmas in Finland evolved from the old pagan traditions and embraced the Christian Christmas celebration

Christmas in Finland and Christmas Eve

Where as many countries focus on Christmas Day itself,Christmas in Finland is primarily celebrated on Christmas Eve.Christmas Peace is officially declared at 12.00 on the 24th of December from the old capitol of Finland,Turku.It is a strong view and belief held by all Finnish People that the following 20 days needs to be peaceful and the time of year honored.

Many Finnish families will get together and sip a glass of Glögi.This is a time for Finnish People to get together and discuss the last year and general chit-chat.Early in the evening it is traditional to visit one of the graveyards and lay some branches and light a candle.The grave that we visit every year is on a hill top and looking back after walking a fair distance you are filled with awe and humbleness.There are countless thousands of candles silently glowing in the crisp,cold air.It really is an impressive sight and a tribute to those who have passed away.I quickly realized that Christmas in Finland is not so much a time to party but more a time to reflect,withdraw in to yourself and be humble

Quite a few Finnish People will attend a church service either in the morning or later Christmas Eve.Church services are also held on Christmas Day in Finland

It is not uncomment for the host to turn on the Finnish Sauna around lunch time so that those who wish to take an early evening sauna are free to do so and so be refreshed for the later dinner.

After visiting the graveyard and laying a candle all will return to lay the table for evening dinner.I have lived some 22 years in Finland and Christmas in Finland follows the same practice every year unless we are visiting others or are abroad

A traditional Christmas in Finland evening dinner will include a cold platter of fish such as Graavi,Salmon Fish Eggs and side salad,after that an oven baked Ham coated in mustard ,served with oven-baked vegetable dishes made with carrots, rutabaga (Swedish turnip) or potatoes. Beetroot salad, different types of pates and fish such as smoked salmon or pickled herring can accompany the main dishes. Finnish Christmas sweets include gingerbread, several types of shortbread and biscuits, and Christmas pastries filled with prune conserve or jam.

Children at Christmas in Finland

The highlight for children in Finland and the world around is the arrival of Father Christmas(Joulupukki) in Finnish or Santa Claus.Father Christmas lives in Finnish Lapland and after working the year through making toys he calls at every child’s house to deliver his presents by sledge pulled by hardy reindeer.Christmas eve will usually end up playing board games and listening to music softly in the background.Christmas in Finland and especially Christmas Day is reserved for the closest family members leaving Boxing Day to visit friends and other distant relativesThere is a rather comical but sad story of Father Christmas delivering his presents!As mentioned it is customary for young and old men to dress up as Father Christmas and deliver presents to the the youngsters.On this occasion there were some  5 or 6 Santa`s in the local neighborhood.Tradition calls for the host to offer the Santa a glass of Glögi.As you can imagine after seeing and visiting many households the glögi began to take its toll on old Santa.The story was depicted to me by my Finnish Father in law.At about midnight he overheard a commotion outside in the road.There were several Santa arguing which led to punches being thrown.

Christmas in Finland 1967 and the Father Christmases were taken away by the Finnish police for drunk,disorderly and disturbing the Christmas Peace

Santa Claus

Where is Everybody!