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| Picture: Visit Finland Juho Kuva |
Do you know that Santa Claus comes from Finland? Of course you do!
In fact now is his busiest time as in just a couple of days Santa will start his global journey from "Korvatunturi" Fell in Finnish Lapland to visit the homes globally. He of course travels with Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer!
In Finland Santa actually does pay a visit to your home. The Finns celebrate Christmas already on the eve of the 24th December. It is customary that Santa Claus visits homes to deliver presents and good will for all, big and small.
Finnish Christmas is most commonly spent at home although lately also other places have become more popular. You can rent a cottage for example, or stay in a farmhouse with an "all-inclusive" package for the whole family including loads of food and drink, outdoor activities, and even a visit to a local village church for an early morning ceremony. In the cities some people prefer to stay in a hotel, which also offer you a full package with food and activities.
Finnish Christmas is most commonly spent at home although lately also other places have become more popular. You can rent a cottage for example, or stay in a farmhouse with an "all-inclusive" package for the whole family including loads of food and drink, outdoor activities, and even a visit to a local village church for an early morning ceremony. In the cities some people prefer to stay in a hotel, which also offer you a full package with food and activities.
Typical Christmas food in Finland includes pork roast as the main dish in most homes and a variety of fish, casseroles and salads that are served as a side-dish. This buffet style dinner would not be perfect without a selection of desserts like plum pudding with whipped cream, loads of chocolate, and home baked delicacies. All this food is washed down with home-made beer, wines, and an occasional vodka snaps as well! In many families a Christmas Sauna is part of the tradition, either early in the morning or very late in the evening.
