The holiday season in Finland is a magical blend of coziness, quiet reflection, and nature-inspired beauty. Whether you’re in snowy Lapland or a city apartment, Finnish traditions center around warmth, family, and simple joys. Even if you’re far from the Nordic north, you can bring a touch of Finnish holiday spirit into your own home with these timeless and meaningful customs.
Here are a few Finnish holiday traditions you can easily recreate no matter where you live:
1. Light Candles (Everywhere)
In Finland, December is one of the darkest months of the year, which makes candlelight an essential part of the season. Candles are placed on windowsills, dining tables, and even outside in snow lanterns to create a peaceful, glowing atmosphere.
Recreate the look by placing candles in Iittala candleholders, specifically Valkea, Aalto or Festivo holders for soft, ambient lighting. Battery-operated versions also work if you want to stay flame-free but still capture the cozy glow.
2. Enjoy a Traditional Finnish Christmas Meal
A Finnish Christmas dinner is all about hearty, comforting food. Staples include ham (joulukinkku), carrot and rutabaga casseroles, gravlax, and rosolli salad made with beetroot and potatoes. For dessert, gingerbread cookies and rice porridge (served with one hidden almond!) are traditional favorites. There are tons of Finnish cook books out there, including Beatrice Ojakangas’ best-selling “The Finnish Cookbook,” to kickstart your Finnish cooking experience.
Even if you don’t go all-out, try adding one Finnish dish to your holiday table. Serve it on Iittala’s Teema plates or Pentik ceramics to bring authentic Finnish charm to your dining setup.
3. Decorate Naturally
Finnish holiday decor is simple and nature-inspired: think sprigs of fir, pinecones, dried oranges, and homemade ornaments. Instead of glitzy tinsel or plastic, choose materials like wool, wood, and paper.
Use Pentik or Marimekko fabrics for table runners or napkins in seasonal colors, and hang handmade straw ornaments or paper stars on the tree. Less is more, Finnish style favors quality over quantity.
4. Embrace the Joy of Sauna
The Christmas sauna is one of the oldest and most beloved Finnish traditions. On Christmas Eve, families take a quiet, cleansing sauna before the evening meal for a moment to relax and reflect.
If you have access to a sauna, embrace this ritual as part of your own celebration. No sauna? Create a spa-like experience at home with candles, calming music, and a hot bath. It’s about taking time to unwind and reconnect.
5. Slow Down and Savor the Moment
In Finland, the holidays are less about shopping frenzies and more about slowing down. Time is spent with family, enjoying nature, and appreciating small comforts like hot glögi (mulled wine), wool socks, and soft candlelight.
Create your own version by turning off the screens, sipping a warm drink from a Marimekko mug, and enjoying a board game or quiet evening with loved ones. It’s the small moments that matter most!
You don’t have to live in the Arctic Circle to celebrate like the Finns. With just a few simple touches like natural decor, candlelight, homemade food, and time to slow down, you can recreate the beauty and peace of a Finnish holiday right in your own home.
So light a candle, pour some glögi, and enjoy the season the Finnish way: warm, simple, and from the heart!
