Origin & history
The celebration of Christmas Eve in Finland is deeply rooted in both pagan and Christian traditions. Before Christianity, Finns celebrated a midwinter festival called 'Kekri' or 'Jyly,' which involved feasting, visiting the deceased in graveyards, and honoring household spirits. With the arrival of Christianity in the Middle Ages, Kekri merged with the new Christmas customs. The identification of Christmas Eve as the main day of celebration was reinforced by the Lutheran Reformation and old Finnish law, which prescribed that the preparatory fast of Advent ended at noon on Christmas Eve, after which the feast could begin.
A unique Finnish tradition is the 'Declaration of Christmas Peace,' which has been proclaimed in Turku, the former capital, since the 14th century. This custom dates back to the Swedish rule when the authorities declared a truce during the Christmas season to prevent crime and ensure public order. Despite Finland's modernization, the declaration is still read annually from the balcony of the Old City Hall in Turku, broadcast nationwide.
The figure of Joulupukki (Christmas Goat) has ancient origins in Finnish folklore as a scary, goat-like creature who demanded gifts or punished children. Over time, influenced by the St. Nicholas tradition, Joulupukki transformed into the benevolent Santa Claus who brings presents on Christmas Eve.
In the early 20th century, Finnish Christmas traditions solidified with the adoption of the Christmas tree from Germany, the popularization of the Christmas sauna, and the establishment of the Christmas Eve dinner menu, including ham, casseroles, and rice porridge.
Customs & traditions
Christmas Eve in Finland is a day of preparations and family-centered celebrations. The day typically begins with a light breakfast and last-minute tasks. After noon, many Finns attend a Christmas church service, often featuring candlelight and carols. A significant tradition is the sauna, where families take a festive sauna bath in the afternoon, believed to purify both body and spirit for the celebration. The sauna is also considered the home of the 'sauna-elf,' a protective spirit.
The main celebration starts around 5 PM with the traditional Christmas dinner. The meal typically consists of oven-baked ham, various casseroles (sweet potato, carrot, and rutabaga), pickled herring, beetroot salad, and a rice porridge with an almond hidden inside; the finder is said to have good luck. The dinner is followed by coffee, gingerbread cookies, and star-shaped plum-filled pastries called 'joulutorttu.'
At around 6 PM, many families watch the broadcast of the 'Declaration of Christmas Peace' from Turku on TV or radio. Then, the highlight of the evening: the visit of Joulupukki (Santa Claus). Instead of entering through the chimney, Joulupukki arrives at the door, often accompanied by his elf helpers, carrying a large sack of gifts. He typically asks, 'Are there any well-behaved children here?' before distributing presents. After the exchange of gifts, families continue the evening with coffee, sweets, and quiet time.
Charity is also important: many Finns donate money, food, or blankets to the needy through the 'Christmas Help' organizations. Graveyards are lit up with candles as people visit the graves of loved ones, creating a luminous and peaceful atmosphere.
Why it is celebrated
Christmas Eve is the heart of the Finnish Christmas celebration. For a country with long, dark winters, it provides a moment of warmth, light, and togetherness. The day embodies core Finnish values: family closeness (perhe), respect for tradition, and a sense of peace. The Declaration of Christmas Peace reminds all citizens to act with kindness and harmony.
Religiously, Christmas Eve marks the birth of Jesus, but in contemporary Finland, it is largely a secular family holiday. The traditions—from the sauna to the visit of Joulupukki—create a unique national identity. It is also a day of remembrance and generosity, as seen in the candlelit graveyards and charitable acts. Ultimately, Christmas Eve symbolizes homecoming, love, and the promise of light returning after the winter solstice.