Christmas traditions in

Finland
 Angels and gingerbread
Christmas is considered the main holiday of the year in Finland.
Preparations for the holiday begin many weeks before the start.
Moreover, the Finns are preparing for it not only externally -
decorating houses and streets, but also internally - remembering their
departed relatives, forgiving insults and hoping for the best.
Cities, streets, shop windows and homes across
the country are adorned with incredibly beautiful
garlands, Christmas wreaths, colored ice lights,
hay bundles, and more.
 In Finnish tradition, the Christmas period is
believed to begin on St. Thomas's birthday on
December 21st and continue until St. Knut's
Day on January 13th.
During the pre-Christmas season, each family
lights one New Year's candle per week. All candles
should burn until the morning of December 26, and
only after that they can be removed.
 Christmas Eve
People in Finland try to spend Christmas at home. Even animals are
congratulated on Christmas in Finland. Farmers hang wheat, nuts,
and pieces of bacon for rodents and birds on the tree.
Before the Christmas holidays, Finns usually do a general cleaning
at home - this is how they prepare for everything clean and new.
For breakfast on Christmas Eve, it is customary to
eat rice porridge with plum jam. A Christmas tree
is bought. The tree is traditionally decorated very
beautifully by the whole family.
Many Finns go to the sauna on Christmas Eve.
This is an ancient custom in Finland. In some
families, it is customary to read the Christmas
Gospel aloud. If young children are present,
reading is usually done by the youngest child.
On the eve of Christmas in Finland it is also
customary to go to cemeteries and visit the graves
of family members.
Some families also attend church that day.
 Every year on December 24, my
friends and I…
Many Finns go to the sauna on Christmas Eve. This is an ancient
custom in Finland. In some families, it is customary to read the
Christmas Gospel aloud. If young children are present, reading
is usually done by the youngest child.
They usually sit down for Christmas dinner in the
early evening, after the sauna. It is believed that
this dinner should be the best of the year.

Pork leg, served with

mashed potatoes

Vegetable casserole from

rutabagas, carrots and potatoes
 On this magical evening, many,
especially children, are waiting for the
arrival of Santa Claus, who is called
“Joulupukki” in Finland.
After a hearty dinner, many Finns continue their
leisurely celebration, drink alcohol or “glögi” (a
hot drink made from red wine with the addition of
spices).
 Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Christmas day is usually spent relaxing at home.

The next day, St. Stephen's (Boxing Day), is December
26. It is traditionally the day of visiting friends, when it is
customary to give each other gifts.
Following old traditions, many horse farms and
riding schools organize horseback riding or
sleigh rides on St. Stephen's Day.
 Christmas Eve, Christmas itself and St.
Stephen's Day (December 24-26) are public
holidays in Finland. Some people, especially
parents with small children, may leave work
before New Years to spend the holidays with
their families.
Merry Christmas!!!