Have yourself a Merry, Finnish Christmas!

This blog post is part of my article series published in The Finnish American Reporter newspaper.

A Finnish Christmas to Remember

Christmas is a magical time, especially in Finland. It's not just the snow-covered landscapes or the warmth of traditions—it’s the feeling of home.

And let's not forget, Finland is the land of Santa Claus, residing near the Arctic Circle. So, grab a warm mug of glögi, and let’s take a nostalgic journey through some cherished Finnish Christmas traditions.

The Heart of Finnish Christmas Traditions

Christmas in Finland is rich with traditions that vary across the country and from family to family. In my own home, Christmas begins with the first spoonful of warm Christmas porridge on the morning of December 24th.

A beloved nationwide tradition occurs at noon on Christmas Eve, when the Christmas Peace is declared from the city of Turku. For many families, including my own, this announcement is a solemn, yet comforting, moment that we watch on TV. 

One might find it curious that the Navy orchestra plays the military march Porilaisten marssi, but despite its martial tone, it’s a song dear to many Finns. I still remember how much I enjoyed requesting it during music lessons in school!

After the peace declaration, we sit down to enjoy warm rice porridge, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and served with cold milk. My personal favorite, however, is the porridge served with a raisin and prune soup—a delightful tradition in itself.

Going to the Christmas Church

Finns, though not particularly religious these days, still find a special connection to Christmas traditions. On Christmas Eve, even those who rarely attend church during the year often find their way to a Christmas service. Although today, only 63% of Finns belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, compared to 95% in the 1950s, the tradition of gathering in a candlelit church on Christmas Eve remains a profound experience.

The peacefulness of the service, the glow of candles, and the beautiful melodies of familiar Christmas hymns fill the air with a sense of calm and reverence. Many of us remember these songs from childhood, and singing them together in church brings a deep sense of connection to both family and tradition.

The Long-Awaited Christmas Feast

By the time the church service is over, it's already late afternoon, and the long-awaited Christmas feast begins. Finnish Christmas meals are something special, with dishes prepared well in advance, some even weeks before the big day. Every family has their own favorites, and the spread often includes traditional casseroles, savory meats, and a wide variety of treats.

For me, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without:

• My mother’s heavenly rutabaga and carrot casserole
• Canned peas—oddly, we only eat them at Christmas!
• Salt-cured, baked ham, served with warm prunes and Finnish mustard
• Karelian hot pot with boiled potatoes and home-pickled beetroots
• Homemade prune puff pastries (joulutorttu) and gingerbread cookies
• Lastly, plenty of Christmas chocolates and special marmalade called Green balls (special marmalade)!

While every family’s Christmas table is different, these dishes are my essentials. And though there are many other delicious dishes, I could happily enjoy only these throughout the holiday season.

Fish and Casseroles: Staples of the Finnish Table
Appetizers on Finnish Christmas tables are often fish-based. Gravlax (cured salmon), pickled herring, and smoked salmon are common. My mother even used to make lutefisk, a traditional fish dish, though it's less popular nowadays.

Salads, too, carry the influence of a time when fresh vegetables were hard to come by during the long Finnish winters. Rosolli—a colorful salad of diced beets, carrots, potatoes, pickles, and onions, served with a creamy pink dressing—is a nostalgic favorite.

Casseroles are the heart of the Christmas meal. Carrot, rutabaga, sweetened potato, liver, and even macaroni casseroles grace the table. Each one carries with it the warmth of home and the love of family.

And then there’s the ham. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without it. Most Finns opt for a big, salted ham with the bone still in, slow-roasting it for hours on Christmas Eve. My mother prefers the method of boiling the ham with spices before baking it, which makes it an incredibly tender and flavorful dish. As we say in Finland: "Who fries the boiled, will taste the sweet."

Alongside the meal, home-brewed beer is often the drink of choice—a traditional pairing that adds to the festive spirit.

The True Spirit of Christmas

As much as food is a central part of the Finnish Christmas celebration, it’s not just about what’s on the table. Christmas is about being with loved ones, reflecting on cherished memories, and embracing the spirit of the season. For many, the joy of Christmas comes not only from long-held traditions but also from creating new ones, year after year.

This Christmas, whether you are surrounded by the love of family or reflecting on cherished memories of those who have passed, may the warmth of tradition embrace you. Let the familiar sights, sounds, and tastes of the season bring comfort and joy, filling your heart with peace and reminding you of the enduring bonds that connect us all.

A Taste of Finland: Glögi Recipe

Glögi, a warm and spicy drink, is a Finnish favorite during the holiday season.  Often enjoyed with raisins and almonds, this heart-warming drink can be made with or without alcohol. Here’s a simple recipe to try at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups black currant, lingonberry or cranberry juice
• 2 cups apple juice
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup brown sugar (depending if the juice is sweet already or not, you can also leave this out)
• Whole Christmas spices (not ground): cinnamon stick, 5 cloves, slices of fresh ginger, and a few cardamom pods

Instructions:

1. Place the spices in a tea strainer.
2. Add the juices and sugar to a pan and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes with spices.
3. Serve hot with a few raisins and peeled almonds in each cup.
4. For an adult version, add a splash of vodka and stir.

Enjoy this festive drink while reminiscing about Christmases past and celebrating the ones to come.