Christmas in Finland
I grew up in Finland. My small hometown is located just above the Arctic Circle. And yes, this time of the year, you really don't see the sun. During the summer time we have 24 hours of daylight.
There are many things I miss from and about Finland and one of them is spending Christmas time with my family. I was the only one that made it to this side of the big pond.
This is my Christmas Story, a Finnish Christmas tradition.
Written by Rita 7 years
A few days ago my dad, our dog Pennu and I went to the woods looking for that perfect tree. It was hard to walk as the snow was heavy and up to my thighs. Every once in awhile we stopped, dad knocked down snow from the tree with the butt of the axe to inspect it.
The air was crisp and it was snowing again. Finally, we stopped at a tree that looked perfect. Dad went to work and in no time we were walking back to the car, dad dragging the tree behind him.
When we get home, dad left the tree outside, until yesterday morning when he brought it in and set it in our family room.
The tree was still cold and a few icicles were hanging from the branches, but my mom and I started to decorate it immediately. We hung some lights, home made ornaments and glimmering balls. It wasn't much, but it was beautiful.
This morning my mom and I went for a walk in the snow filled winter wonderland. I was very quiet and peaceful. And dark. I loved how the snow crunched beneath my boots.
Soon we will start heating up the Sauna, for our Christmas Sauna which we do around 1 pm. Clean and warm from the Sauna we eat our Christmas dinner. Just mom, dad, our dog and me.
We will have ham. That is what we always have. That is what everybody has in Finland. We have some potatoes, different casserole dishes and diced up vegetable dish that I don't like.
After we finish eating it is time to wait for Santa to come. You see, Santa comes to everybody's house on Christmas Eve. He doesn't come through the chimney, he walks through the door.
People who don't live in Finland think Santa lives in the North Pole. But we know different. Santa lives right here, in Finland, at the Arctic Circle. Everybody here has seen him, and he even has his own mountain near here. All his reindeer, and many more live here too.
My dad helps Santa and he will be visiting many families and homes this evening. This is what he does every Christmas. He is awesome!
Santa will come carrying a bag filled with presents. He will hand out presents to each of us. I have to sit on Santa's lap and talk to him - I am no a fan, I guess I am scared. Sometimes when Santa is really busy he may drop the bag of presents right at the front door.
Then of course it is time to open presents. Our dog sniffs at each present and barks when there is chocolate inside! She is really smart.
After presents are opened, we will enjoy lots of chocolate, family time, playing with presents and just relaxing.
Tomorrow, everybody stays at home, eating left overs, watching tv (all of our 2 channels), playing together...
We will also stop by to visit family and friends or they come to our house.
That's about it, our Finnish Christmas Tradition.
Hyvaa Joulua!
Riitta
I can't find any photos in this short of a notice of my Finnish Christmas. When I do I will post them.
;)
;)
Brian & Rita, Cool post! I like learning about other holiday traditions...
Wishing You and Yours a very
Merry Christmas