“I might be a Christmas person right down to my soul”: this home’s joyful décor was planned in summer
Hanna Savolainen loves Christmas so much that she cooks Christmas dishes in June. Both of her home’s Christmas trees have been lit since fall, and Hanna hangs greetings from fellow enthusiasts from around the world on the branches.
In my mind, I can still immerse myself in the atmosphere of childhood Christmases. Grandma would come get me and my sister from the Christmas sauna, wrap us in a thick blanket, and carry us across the snowy yard to a dining table piled high with food. Later, Santa would noisily rattle the window and leave out two sacks of presents on a sled. The Christmases spent at Grandma’s were filled with love and security, which has carried me through life.
I think I’ve been a Christmas person to my very core for my entire life—and enjoying the best holiday in the world is not limited to just a few weeks of the year.
Through my Christmas hobby I’ve made like-minded friends from all over the world. I created a Christmas-themed Instagram account four years ago when a friend urged me to do so. It has become very important for me. I stay in touch with my Instagram friends throughout the year. When the dark season begins here in Finland, they send me sunshine in photos.
I’ve learned so much about different cultures and ways of celebrating Christmas. During the pandemic years, this community served as a window to the world when travel wasn’t possible. I know each person I follow by name and remember at least one specific detail about them.
It has become our tradition to send each other small packages as well. We send out Christmas chocolate and other treats we enjoy here in Finland. Other countries’ Christmas traditions become tangible when I taste something that’s meaningful to my friends.
“With our group of friends, we celebrate the ‘Six Months to Christmas’ party in June.”
With my Finnish circle of friends, we hold a “Six Months to Christmas” party in June. I decorate our terrace with a Christmas tree and tablecloth, bake a ham, and make casseroles and Christmas tarts. I stock up on some of the supplies for the summer party in the freezer as early as January, when things like pastry dough are available in every store.
We give each other small gifts that aren’t necessarily Christmas-themed. A useful summer gift might be a bottle of sunscreen. We toast with mulled wine mixed with champagne.
Last summer, I roasted a large ham for six hours overnight during a sweltering heatwave. Once it was done, I carried it out to the terrace in the warm summer night to cool. When the flies from the nearby cow pasture smelled the roast, we both hurried back inside. The ham was delicious, the party was a success, and everyone had a wonderful time.
Planning our home’s Christmas begins in the summer. We have a different theme every year. I explore color palettes and gradually gather items like textiles and ornaments. Around late September or early October, a Christmas tree appears in the kitchen. At first, it only has lights, but then one or two ornaments start to pop up on the branches.
I collect old soup tureens, flower pots, and cake pans to make arrangements with Christmas flowers. I keep buying them throughout winter as long as they’re available. I’m definitely that one person who buys the very last hyacinths and amaryllises in the store. Sometimes I even store the bulbs in a cooler so they won’t bloom too quickly.
“For our 10th wedding anniversary, I asked my husband for a beautiful white Christmas tree.”
In the den, we begin enjoying the soft glow of a frosted white tree as early as fall while we watch TV. I’m not big on jewelry, so for our 10th wedding anniversary, I asked my husband for a lovely white Christmas tree—and I got it. This tree is extra special to me because it’s where I hang the ornaments I’ve received from my international Instagram friends. They feel like little greetings from afar.
My Christmas is never about words like must, rush, or obligation. Christmas shouldn’t be overshadowed by those! It isn’t forced labor but a wonderful holiday to enjoy for a long time. When you decorate and prep little by little at your own pace, there’s no holiday stress.
By the time December begins, everything is ready at our house. I can sit down with friends for coffee or a meal and truly enjoy. I can wander the Christmas markets without worrying about missing gifts. Personally, I don’t want any material presents—I have all I need. The most important thing about Christmas is giving others my time and attention, reminding them how important they are.
When Christmas ends, its decorations are put away just as gradually as they appeared—one by one, they go back into their box. When I close the box, I know it won’t be long until we see each other again. I may already have ideas for next Christmas.
