How to Celebrate Christmas in Finland

Traveling to a new country holds many a challenge. Among these, certainly, is the task of becoming acquainted with local customs and traditions. This is especially true during the holidays--and in Finland, that includes Christmas. In Finland, Christmas is celebrated in its own unique way. Here's how to take part.

Instructions

1. Make an advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas, beginning with the first Sunday in December. Each day, cross out one day on your calendar until Christmas has arrived.

2. Attend a Saint Lucia Day celebration on December 13. On this day, a young girl in each town will wear a crown of candles. Bring a Christmas card to exchange with any one of the acquaintances you may have made during your holiday so far.

3. On Christmas Eve, make porridge for lunch. Be sure to hide an almond in it--the one who finds the almond in her porridge must then sing a song!

4. Still on Christmas Eve, visit a graveyard. Many Finns remember their ancestors on this occasion--and you can, too, even if your own aren't buried there.

5. Eat a hearty Christmas Eve dinner, with a main course of baked ham.

6. After dinner, exchange Christmas gifts. You may be visited by Santa Claus (a local who plays the part), who will likewise present gifts.

7. At midnight, attend mass at a local church. Christmas mass is a tradition spanning a millennium in Finland, and no "How to Celebrate Christmas in Finland" list would be complete without it.

Tips & Warnings

• "Hyvää Joulua" is "Merry Christmas" in Finnish.