Christmas in
Finland
Celebrated: December 24 through December 26
Signature traditions
- 1.Christmas peace declaration broadcast nationally from Turku at noon on Christmas Eve, a tradition since the Middle Ages
- 2.A Christmas sauna in the afternoon — said to be visited by spirits, so it's quiet and reflective
- 3.Porridge with a hidden almond at breakfast, with the finder getting good luck
- 4.Visiting cemeteries to light candles at family graves
- 5.Joulupukki (the Yule Goat / Father Christmas) visits in person on Christmas Eve evening
What's on the table
Joulukinkku and casseroles
Christmas ham (joulukinkku) is the centerpiece, served with multiple oven-baked casseroles — carrot, rutabaga, and potato — plus rosolli (a beet salad) and gingerbread cookies.
The iconic decoration
Himmeli straw mobiles
Himmeli are intricate geometric mobiles woven from rye straw, hung from the ceiling. The largest hung over the dining table to bless the household with a good harvest the following year.
How gifts are given
Joulupukki (literally 'Yule Goat,' though now resembling Santa) visits homes in person on Christmas Eve and asks 'are there well-behaved children here?' before handing out gifts.
Did you know?
Finland claims to be Santa Claus's official home — Joulupukki lives in Korvatunturi (Ear Mountain) in Lapland, and the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi receives mail from children worldwide year-round.