Christmas in Finland is unforgettable for many visitors
during the holiday season, as the Finnish Christmas
traditions can vary from your home's traditions quite
a bit. So how do they celebrate Christmas in Finland?
The first Sunday in December (also called the First
Advent) starts the Finnish Christmas season. Many children
use advent calendars that count down the remaining
days to Christmas Eve.
December 13 is the day of Saint Lucia, who is celebrated
with lots of candles and formal celebrations in every
town with a candle-crowned young girl. The time for
Scandinavian Christmas tree shopping and decorating
is coming, and Christmas cards are being exchanged.
Essentials on Christmas Eve in Finland are Christmas
mass, and a visit to a Finnish sauna, of course. Many
Finnish families also visit cemeteries to remember
the dead and have porridge for lunch (with a hidden
almond in it - the finder has to sing a song.)
