My name is Jonas Christensen, and through my connection with a Finnish family, I’ve had the chance to dive headfirst into the world of the Finns. This is the first of many blog posts where I’ll share my perspective on discovering the charm, quirks, and beauty of Finnish traditions, starting with Christmas.
Everyone has heard of Finland: the land of a thousand lakes, saunas, and a world-famous love of licorice. But how well do we really know the country and its traditions? Behind the stereotypes lies a rich culture and a people deeply connected to some of the most fascinating Christmas customs I’ve ever experienced.
As a Dane, I’ve celebrated Christmas in the classic Danish way: with risalamande, roast pork, and an evening where solemn traditions mingle with boisterous laughter. But through my Finnish partner Minna, I’ve gained an entirely new perspective on what Christmas can be.
Imagine a Christmas morning where rice porridge isn’t dessert but the day’s first and most important meal. In this blog post, I’ll take you into the heart of Finnish Christmas traditions, comparing them to the Danish customs I’ve known all my life.
Rice Porridge for Breakfast – A Hidden Almond and an Old Tradition
In Finland, Christmas Eve begins with rice porridge. Not as a quick stovetop dish, but as a slow-cooked meal traditionally baked overnight. The result is a creamy porridge, ready to be served as a warm and comforting breakfast for the family gathered around the table.
A special feature of Finnish rice porridge is the hidden almond placed in the pot. Whoever finds the almond in their portion is said to have good fortune in the coming year. It’s reminiscent of the Danish risalamande tradition, where an almond in the dessert brings luck (and often a prize). However, while risalamande is served in festive evening surroundings, Finnish rice porridge is a humble but symbolic part of Christmas Eve morning.
The Declaration of Christmas Peace – A Solemn Tradition
While the morning is cozy and quiet, Finnish Christmas takes on a more formal tone at noon. Attention turns to the Declaration of Christmas Peace from Turku, a tradition dating back to the 1320s. From the balcony of the Brinkkala House in Turku’s Old Great Square, the declaration is read aloud, accompanied by bells, hymns, and local choirs.
This ceremony is broadcast live on Finnish national TV and radio, allowing the entire country, and even viewers beyond Finland, to take part. It’s a moment of peace, reflection, and a signal that the festive events of the day are about to begin.
As a Dane, I found myself captivated by the solemnity of this tradition. In Denmark, Christmas peace tends to arise spontaneously and informally, but in Finland, it’s a ceremonial act—a beautiful reminder of the true essence of Christmas.
Christmas Dinner – Finnish Flavors and Traditions
As evening approaches, Finnish Christmas transitions from casual to elegant. Families dress in their finest, and the meal is prepared, a simple yet refined spread that reflects the country’s culture and the season’s spirit
At the center of the table is the traditional Finnish Christmas ham (joulukinkku), served with accompaniments like rosolli, a vibrant beetroot salad with a touch of cream. The bright colors of rosolli add cheer to the winter-white season, complementing the ham’s mustard glaze and other subtle flavors, including potatoes and rye bread.
Drinks are also an important part of the meal. Warm glögi, a Finnish version of mulled wine with spices, raisins, and almonds, is a favorite, perfect for warming up on a cold evening. For those who prefer something lighter, sparkling wines or beer are common choices.
But Christmas dinner isn’t just about the food. It’s a time for connection, with conversations spanning the year’s highlights and hopes for the future. The atmosphere is relaxed, even though the setting, elegant outfits and a beautifully set table, reflects the significance of the occasion.
The Christmas Sauna – Cleansing Body and Mind
For Finns, the sauna is not just a tradition; it’s a way of life, and Christmas Eve is no exception. In the early afternoon, the sauna is heated, and the family gathers to cleanse both body and mind before the evening celebrations
With fresh sauna linens and perhaps a lantern glowing outside, the atmosphere is one of calm and reflection. For many Finns, the sauna marks the transition from the everyday to the festive. The heat, steam, and gentle strokes of the vihta (birch whisk) create a unique tranquility that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Experiencing the Christmas sauna for the first time was unlike anything I’d known. In Denmark, Christmas Eve often feels like a rush of preparations, but here, amidst the warmth and silence, time seemed to stand still. The sauna is more than relaxation, it’s a ceremony of peace and togetherness.
A Visit to the Cemetery – Lights in the Darkness
Another tradition that makes Finnish Christmas unique is the visit to the cemetery on Christmas Eve. As darkness falls, families go to local cemeteries to light candles on the graves of loved ones.
The first time I stood in a Finnish cemetery on Christmas Eve, I was struck by the beauty and magic of the moment. Thousands of candles flickered in the dark, creating a scene that resembled a starry sky brought to earth. It’s an act not only of remembrance but also of hope.
For Finns, this ritual is a time to honor the past and find peace and reflection amid the holiday. It’s a reminder that Christmas is about more than gifts and feasts. It’s about connection between generations and a respect for life’s cycles.
The Universal Spirit of Christmas
After experiencing Christmas in Finland, one thing is clear: Christmas is a time to come together, a moment to find common ground, even across different generations and traditions.
The rice porridge with its hidden almond taught me how small, simple rituals can hold deep meaning. Whether it’s about luck or simply starting the day together, it’s the togetherness that counts.
The Declaration of Christmas Peace reminded me of the importance of calm and reflection during the holidays. In a world that moves ever faster, this solemn tradition felt like an anchor to what truly matters.
The Christmas dinner, with its unique flavors and vibrant dishes, told a story of cultural richness and community. Even as I tried new foods and embraced new customs, the meal itself was a universal way to bond.
The sauna, with its warmth and stillness, introduced me to a new way of preparing for the holiday. A moment not just to cleanse but to pause and reset before the festivities began.
And the cemetery visit, with its thousands of lights, was perhaps the most moving moment of all. It showed me that Christmas is also a time for reflection and honoring those who came before us. Amid the darkness, the flickering flames symbolized hope and the continuity of life.
Christmas asks something of us: openness, a willingness to laugh at ourselves, and a desire to listen and learn, even when we don’t fully understand each other’s traditions. But in return, it gives us memories, stories, and connections that last long after the lights have gone out and the food has been eaten.
As I reflected on the many moments of Finnish Christmas, it struck me that this is what the holiday is really about—not the food, gifts, or traditions alone, but the shared moments, the laughter, and the creation of new stories. Stories worth telling next year.
