Christmas Traditions in Finland
Ever wondered how Finns celebrate the holiday season in the winter wonderland? Or are you traveling to Finland for Christmas and want to experience it like a local? Find out what to eat, dress, see and experience during the most wonderful time of the year — in the most Christmassy place in the world.
Christmas Countdown
The official Christmas countdown usually starts from the first Advent Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and this year it takes place on 27th of November. Advent candles with numbers from 1 to 4 on them are quite popular, and ultimately you can light up all the candles on last Advent Sunday. The candles represent hope, love, joy and peace. Another fun way to count the days is with Advent calendars, which traditionally have 24 chocolate assortments. However, nowadays Advent calendars are available in many different forms and styles, and it’s not all related to food. You can find these from every grocery store and online. Christmas music and decorations have a huge effect to the atmosphere, and therefore you can hear and see them in all public places. There are Christmas markets throughout the country, as well.
Moreover, if you want to get into the Christmas spirit especially before traveling to Lapland, I highly recommend a movie called Joulutarina (eng. Christmas Story), which perfectly represents Christmas time as the time of love and giving. You can find Santa’s Cabin from the movie in Levi! Another classic is Joulupukki & Noitarumpu (eng. Santa Claus & The Magic Drum), which is an animation film based on children’s book by Mauri Kunnas. Both of these Finnish hit films are available in English. One day before Christmas Eve, Santa Claus starts his annual grand journey from Rovaniemi with his reindeer. Everyone can join this free event at the Santa Claus village or via live stream, which will be announced on Visit Rovaniemi’s Facebook page.
Christmas Eve Traditions
Christmas Eve is the main celebration day in Finland, and it starts with Santa’s hotline from 8AM on YleTV2. Children are welcome to call him and the elves between 7:30 and 11:30AM to tell their Christmas wishes. The Christmas tree at people’s homes can be decorated on 24th, as well, but it can also be done earlier. Santa Claus traditionally brings the gifts to the good kids later on Christmas Eve. During Santa’s visit, traditional Christmas songs are being singed along with circle games, and everyone can sit on his lap and tell stories – although the elves might have already delivered some info 😉 If you want to master one song to impress Santa, it’d be Joulupukki, joulupukki (eng. Santa Claus, Santa Claus), which is usually being singed when he arrives. And remember to wear Santa hats!
The sauna is an important part of Christmas, as well. If you don’t have a sauna in your home or accommodation, don’t worry, as there are plenty of public saunas in Finland. I’d recommend not to wait until last minute to book – Christmas sauna has been an important tradition in Finland since the beginning of time. Additionally, the 24th includes traditional Christmas church service to some, and visiting the graveyard to remember the loved ones who have passed. Even driving by a candle-lit graveyard on Christmas Eve is a beautiful experience, as it reminds us of the infinite togetherness and love of Christmas spirit.
Dishes & Decorations
Being surrounded by family and people you love is the core of Christmas. There might be some pressure related to the season, as everyone wants it to be wonderful. The first thing to aim for, however, shall always be hope, love, joy and peace. You know that feeling when you’re outside on a snowy December night, and it’s completely silent. You stare at the starry sky, snowy trees, your mind is blank and you hear nothing. That’s what complete peace feels like, and that’s what I hope everyone’s holiday season would feel like. With lots of good food, of course. Because the food is a crucial part of Christmas, which includes many flavors of casseroles, ham, fish and other tasty dishes, which I’ll tell you more about in another blog. But as the saying goes ‘’It doesn’t matter what you eat between Christmas and New Year’s. It matters what you eat between New Year’s and Christmas. So, remember to enjoy the traditional Finnish Christmas food and atmosphere with your loved ones. Happy holidays everyone!
⇐ By Erika Katainen / Visit Lapland ⇒
