Welcome to the magical world of Finnish Christmas! Winter in Finland comes to life with warmth, joy, and beautiful traditions during this time. Let's find out what makes Christmas in Finland so wonderful and warm.
Finland's Christmas, called "Joulu," is more than just a holiday. It's a time for family, warmth, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Finnish homes are warm and cozy during this time of year. Lights and decorations that twinkle add to the holiday spirit and make the snowy outside feel warmer. Families get together to tell stories and enjoy each other's company. This makes the long winter nights feel sweet and full of love.
Finnish Christmas foods: a feast of tasty treats
The traditional Finnish Christmas table is a lovely spread of flavors. The star of the Christmas table is usually the ham, which is usually served with mustard and bread crumbs on top. With the ham, Finns usually eat tasty casseroles with different flavours.These casseroles, like the sweet and earthy rutabaga casserole and the creamy potato casserole, are what Finnish comfort food is all about. For dessert, the air is filled with the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries. The star-shaped pastries filled with plum jam are a holiday favorite.
Not only are these traditional foods delicious, they are also a way to honor Finnish food culture.
Balancing work and life during Christmas
Finnish workplaces slow down around Christmas, which shows how much the country values work-life balance. People who work there are encouraged to take time off to spend the holidays with their families.
Everyone can fully get into the holiday spirit, rest, and spend quality time with family and friends during this break from work. As we get ready for the new year, this is a time to relax and reflect.
Santa Claus - The Hero of Christmas
As Santa Claus is from Finland, he is a well-known figure in Finnish Christmas traditions. Kids and adults alike look forward to the tradition of Santa coming to people's homes on Christmas Eve with gifts and good cheer. If the real Santa isn't available or is busy, it's usually a neighbor, uncle, or even the father in the family who dresses up as Santa and gives kids their Christmas presents.
The joy and excitement that Santa brings are a big part of Christmas for many people. This custom creates a sense of magic and wonder, making Christmas Eve a night full of surprises and joy.
A Traditional Way to Relax at Christmas: the Sauna
As you might already know, sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. Christmas isn't an exception - Christmas sauna is one of the holiday traditions. The Christmas Eve sauna, or 'joulusauna', is an age-old Finnish tradition, deeply ingrained in the culture.
Traditionally, the sauna is heated early on Christmas Eve, allowing everyone to cleanse before the evening. Many Finns take a break from the sauna to roll in the snow. This is believed to improve resilience to cold and boost blood circulation.
Lighting candles creates a cozy atmosphere
Lighting candles at Christmas is a tradition in Finland. With the natural darkness of Finnish winter and the soft glow of candles, homes have a unique atmosphere. These flickering lights make the long winter nights feel cozy and magical by adding a sense of peace and calm. Lighting candles isn't just a way to add light; it's also a way to create a quiet, reflective space that makes the holiday season feel warmer and more family-like.
In conclusion, the unique and heartwarming Finnish Christmas traditions are a great way to celebrate the season. Indulging in rich, flavorful food, going to the sauna for peace, and lighting candles for the atmosphere all make Christmas a time of joy, warmth, and a sense of being with others. It's when the cold Finnish winter turns into a time of joy, warmth, and celebration, leaving everyone with happy memories and a fresh outlook on life.