Finnish Christmas

This is the first year in my 30 years of life that I missed Christmas this year at home. All of my siblings have always been there, so I started a bad thing. Hopefully we don't make this a habit. It was nice that I could Skype with everybody, so it felt like I was there a little bit. Plus I saw a ton of pictures (thank you Adam!) and got a play-by-play from my sister Rose so I have a good idea of what everybody got for Christmas and the cute things all the kids were saying.

I'm excited to experience a Finnish Christmas! Last year we left on December 11 and didn't come back until January 2, so we pretty much missed everything.

Last weekend we strolled through Helsinki, enjoying the Old Student House Christmas Market, the St Thomas Christmas Market, Aleksanderinkatu Street Christmas lights, and the esplanade. Would have been nicer if there was snow instead of rain, but we'll take what we can get.

Maddy is off school now for the next two weeks and is anxiously counting down the days until Santa comes, and also when Grandma and Grandpa come.

As sad as it is to be away from home, I've enjoyed my observations about how the Finns celebrate Christmas so far. It's not as commercialized as it is in North America, so children don't get a zillion gifts. Also, Santa comes on Christmas Eve during the evening, and hand-delivers the gifts to all the children. Trees are purchased and decorated on Christmas Eve morning and the big meal is also on the 24th. So actually Christmas Day is not the main event.

In the grocery store, shelves are stocked with glogi, a Finnish traditional holiday drink, which is served either with or without alcohol. Add raisins and almonds for extra flavouring. There are also a million types of Joulu bread, certain type of rye bread that is served for the holidays.

And as my Finnish language skills begin to improve, I'm recognizing more words and piecing together things. Like the Finnish word Joulukuu, which means December. It literally translates to "Christmas month". Practical.

We are also going to Jussi and Anita's house, our Finnish friends whom we met in London (Canada), to learn more about Finnish holiday traditions.

From my house to yours, I wish you a fabulous holiday with your friends and family, and a peaceful and prosperous 2012.
Hyvaa Joulua. (Merry Christmas)
xoxo
Kim