Christmas 2019 has been warm by all means.

Once in a while, precisely once every 5-6 years, Finland will experience a “warm winter”, when the temperature reaches +2 degrees even in December time. 2019 is one of a kind: except of the far North provinces; the rest of the country is quite warm. Snow is melted, roads are slippery, and rain comes here and then.

However, the weather doesn’t bother me anymore, as I’ve got to enjoy the most of Christmas, with my beloved ones.

The winter reality in Europe

Europe has always been a paradise for travelling, especially during Christmas time – the most important celebration of many countries. By this time, the streets are lightened up, shops are gloriously red with numerous customers. Christmas fairs, Christmas sales, Christmas trees and gifts…the West has never been so busy in a Gregory year.

But, there is something you have to notice: Christmas is the time for family reunion, to be with the loved ones. I learnt this fact the hard way.

Thus, this year, I gave up all the trips, works, and joys. Just me, with no tight schedule, coming home in Lappeenranta, looking for the sign of family that I have longed for. Looking for my first Christmas in its fullest definition.

A traditional Finnish way to celebrate

On the afternoon of 24th December, there will be a “Christmas declaration” ceremony from the city council, announcing the official start of the holiday. This lasts only some minutes, but has been an important ritual for the Finns.

Later on, we went to visit the city cemetery.

 

Every Christmas, it is a routine to come visit the graves of ancestors, relatives, put a candle to soothe the souls, wishing them a warm Christmas
Many Finns lost their relatives in the Winter war (1941). Thus, Christmas is also the time to grief the loss of war

Later that day, we will have our traditional Christmas Eve dinner – the dinner with all members gathered – perhaps the biggest in the year, as Finns usually live apart from their family.

The house, as well as the dining table, is decorated in Christmas theme: red, green, and white
Christmas ham (Joulu kinkku) – the must-eat of a traditional Christmas dinner

If you would ask  Finn, what is the best about Christmas, many  would say: Christmas food. And I can’t agree more. Finnish food can be quite tricky during the year, but the delicacy of Christmas is beyond negotiation. From ham to carrot/potato casserole, porridge, wide range of fish, to the best desserts such as glögi, pipari (ginger bread), joulutorttu (Chritmas tart)…I may not meant to be in Finland, but my soul belong to its Christmas.

The best part of the night

After dinner, the adults can till be chatting around the table, while the kids are struggling to behave nicely, as the tonttu (Santa’s helper, like “Táo quân” in Vietnamese culture) is watching them; tonttu can tell Santa Claus not to come anymore, if the kids are not nice.

Children in Finland totally believe in Santa Claus – they have the Santa Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, where he lives and spend the whole year preparing gifts to the good kids. Thus, Christmas is the most waited time for children.

And finally comes the Joulupukki (Santa).

Santa comes, brings the happiness to all, listens to the kids’ stories, and gives them presents
Traditionally, each family members will receive lots of gifts…
…a lot – I meant it =))
Then, the family will sit together in the living room, opening gifts. And we must not open gifts at once – one by one only
Usually, the gifts have been preparing from summer – they will save up until Christmas, and the total amount will be huge
This year we spent roughly 4.5 hours unwrapping all gifts

And when the gifts was done, we would come back to the table for a small meal with cheese, cake, coffee, then playing board game. The tradition is to stay up really late, have fun, get in touch with family members, and kids are allowed to stay up as late as they want. We went to beds roughly at 5am with no alarm – we ain’t have to do anything on the next day – it’s holiday still.

Perfect timing

This Christmas came right between the busiest period of my life – with study, works, and tons of plans. It came and saved me from all the burden, wiping out plans, leaving only free time, good food, and the warmest family vibe that I could ever asked for. Three days is all I need to be recovered, and come back strong.

On the other hand, this year has taught me many things, but the biggest of all is to learn to appreciate, what I am so lucky to have in this life: family, friends, love, and people who would open their hearts and accept me unconditionally. Life is short, so does one man’s empathy; once you’ve got it, cherish it.

And last but not least, for my beloved ones, I wish you all a warm and happy Christmas.

From Lappeenranta with love, Joulua 2019

Khanh Tr.