10 surprising Finnish Christmas traditions—would you enjoy rutabaga casserole and socks knitted by grandma?
Just like anywhere else, Christmas in Finland means relaxing, enjoying good food, and giving gifts. But Finnish Christmas has its own quirky twists. What is a himmeli, and what goes into glögi?
1. In Finland, Christmas Eve is the main day
Finns typically have their Christmas meal and open their gifts on Christmas Eve, December 24.
“The eves of many celebrations matter greatly to Finns. At Christmas, too, the festivities peak on Christmas Eve, which many people have off from work,” says Juha Nirkko, senior archivist of the Finnish Literature Society.
Christmas is a time of slowing down. People indulge in Christmas food, unwind, and usually stay cozy at home with loved ones. For Finns, Christmas is distinctly a family celebration, says Nirkko.
2. From elf doors to straw goats: Christmas decorations can be new or old
When Finns decorate their homes for Christmas, they often go for natural materials and nostalgia. The tablecloth might be made of linen, and the front door might be decorated with a wreath made of spruce branches. A proper traditional setup calls for a straw goat and a straw mobile, himmeli in Finnish, hanging from the ceiling.
“Himmeli have been crafted since the 1800s, if not before, and their popularity isn’t waning. A handmade himmeli is a cherished gift,” Nirkko says.
Candelabras set along the windowsills tend to glow with electric light these days.
One of the big Christmas craft hits of recent years is the elf door: a tiny doorway at floor level that lets elves peek in on children.
“Elves have long been part of Finnish Christmas tradition, but the idea of giving them little doors is something new,” Nirkko says.
3. The Finnish Christmas tree is not the showiest
Finnish Christmas tree is often less glitzy than, for example, its American counterpart. Typical decorations include electric lights, gold or silver tinsel, and colorful baubles, with a star placed on top. A truly traditional touch is a garland of small Finnish flags.
Traditionally, the tree is decorated on Christmas Eve morning. These days, though, many Finns who love the festive mood put theirs up earlier—sometimes days or even weeks before Christmas.
4. Christmas flowers must endure the darkness
Winters in Finland are long and dark. Hyacinths and tulips are popular Christmas flowers; they don't need much light and will bloom even in cooler conditions. Other common Christmas flowers include poinsettia and amaryllis.
5. The TV can—or maybe should—stay on during Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve morning, Finnish children tune in to Santa’s Hotline, a live TV show where kids get to call Santa on air. The broadcast always ends with the beloved animation The Snowman, whose theme song everyone knows by heart.
At noon, the Declaration of Christmas Peace is aired on television—a ceremony that has been held in Turku since the Middle Ages.
“In the old days, proclaiming Christmas Peace was necessary because of rowdy behavior and fighting. Now it’s simply a cherished tradition,” Nirkko says. “Many people aim to finish their Christmas preparations before the declaration, so they can shift from getting ready to truly celebrating.”
6. Christmas isn’t complete without a sauna
Finns are a sauna-loving people: in a nation of fewer than six million inhabitants, there are an estimated 2.4 million saunas.
“Everyone in Finland who uses a sauna at all will definitely sauna at Christmas,” Nirkko says.
The Christmas sauna is an old Finnish tradition. In the past, farmers would wash away the year’s dust in the sauna before sitting down to the festive meal. The earlier you bathed, the sooner the feasting could begin. Even today, many people take their sauna in the afternoon—especially since children waiting for presents can’t stand too long a delay.
7. Yes, rutabaga casserole is a festive dish
Rice, milk, and a pinch of salt—no Finnish Christmas is complete without rice porridge. It’s the traditional treat of Christmas Eve morning. Some enjoy it with prune soup, others with cinnamon and sugar. One almond is usually hidden in the pot, and whoever finds it in their bowl is said to have good luck in the year ahead.
Rutabaga, carrot, and potato casseroles are distinctly Finnish Christmas dishes, says Nirkko.
“I’ve heard people express surprise that these oven-baked casseroles are part of the Finnish festive menu! Maybe they don’t look like spectacular delicacies at first glance.”
There’s also oven-baked ham, often slathered in mustard, along with fish like cured salmon and herring. Rosolli is a colorful salad made of beets, carrots, and potatoes.
Of course, traditions evolve over time, says Nirkko. In the 21st century, sweet potato casserole and vegetarian seitan roast have joined the mix.
“The old traditions remain, but they get new twists.”
8. Sweet treats spark debate
Traditional Finnish Christmas sweets include gingerbread cookies and joulutorttu pastries filled with prune jam. Some insist they must be star-shaped, while others swear by the half-moon version.
Hot glögi—usually made from red wine and spiced with cinnamon and clove—is a holiday staple. Raisins and almonds are added to the cup as garnish, unless you’re one of those who simply can’t stand them.
And what’s Christmas without chocolate? Boxes of assorted chocolates are a classic gift, as are the iconic Vihreät kuulat pear marmalade candies. Some people adore them; others can’t stand the sight of them.
9. Santa comes through the door, not the chimney
In Finland, Santa doesn’t arrive down the chimney, but through the door like everyone else. He hands out gifts on Christmas Eve in person, unless he’s too busy—in which case he just leaves a sack full of gifts at the door.
Every Finn knows Santa and his reindeer don’t set off from the North Pole. They live in Korvatunturi, deep in Finnish Lapland.
10. A handmade gift is the best gift
Books, pajamas, wool socks, and various treats are classic Christmas gifts. Nirkko says that these days, many people especially appreciate handmade presents like knitted socks and other things they’ve knitted themselves.
“You can buy factory-made things pretty cheaply and easily online. People’s relationship with possessions has changed.”
Also check out: Here’s where you’ll find all our lovely sock knitting patterns!
Sources also include: The Finnish Literature Society’s Celebration Calendar
