FI-2255457 FI-2301141 Christmas in Finland

Christmas traditions in Finland are centred on the home and family. The sense of warmth of the family home and the merriment of the season are accentuated amidst the harsh reality of a far north winter.

  

Finland is the home of Santa and every Finnish child knows that Santa lives on the Mountain of Korvatunturi in the town of Savukoski. This town is in the northern section of Finland called Lapland. There are many many reindeer in Lapland and it make sense that Santa would live where his reindeer are.

  

Finnish families celebrate St. Lucia's Day, as do most of the Scandinavian countries. The celebration of Christmas occurs from December 24th to the 26th. During the advent season, homes are prepared, cookies are baked, and decorations are made ready for the coming of Christmas.

  

The standard fare for a Christmas eve breakfast is rice pudding. Thick and creamy, it is served hot and topped with cinnamon, sugar and other spices. This yummy hot meal will warm the family throughout their morning excursions. Papa and the children will go and get the tree. With a bit of shopping left to be done, Mama heads to the market early for all the stores will close ear;y.

  

Christmas traditions in Finland have become known to over 140 countries largely because of a traditional event that has occurred every year, save one, since the mid 1300's. In the city of Turku, in southern Finland, the people gather just before noon. After the Turku Cathedral Bell strikes twelve, the Declaration of Christmas Peace is read.

The first postcard came from Ari (27 November 2014) Postcrossing and the second postcard came from Heli (20 January 2015) Postcrossing..