Christmas in Finland is not just Christmas Eve and the two days that follow. It is preceded by a lengthy and cheerful period of busy preparation. For the Church, Christmas begins with the first Sunday in Advent, but long before this, as early as October countless associations have already set about getting into the holiday spirit. The first off the line are generally the women's organizations, planning their Christmas bazaars. Members get together in the old Finnish tradition, most often to make Christmas decorations. These evening gatherings could also be regarded as the first Christmas parties, called by the delightful name of "Pikkujoulu", meaning "Little Christmas", since they always include some type of Christmas program, talks, music and special seasonal delicacies.

The first Sunday in Advent officially opens the Christmas season, the church resounding to the strain

Christmas morning is mostly basic to all families. We start to open presents at eight o’clock. At around noon we have my mother’s parents come over for brunch. That day we spend all of our time playing with our gifts.

It is around this time that the Christmas lights come on in shops and offices. The centers of towns are full of light. Suspended over many streets are three giant decorations. A cross symbolizing faith, an anchor representing hope, and a heart, the symbol of love. In the olden days they were lit with candles, nowadays the candles are electric. Only war, the start of the oil crisis and the introduction of an outdoor Christmas tree have temporarily interrupted their use.

Weeks before Christmas my parents start to decorate the house. Many times we put lights on the outside of our house as well as the inside. This year we have never had as many decorations inside the house as before. A tarp over the piano, present wrapping over the bookshelf, and candles all over the living room.

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Vogler's Hosianna, Eve Apples, Agustine’s Church, Advent October, , Christmas Eve, Weeks Christmas, Little Christmas, December Lucia, Father Christmas, christmas eve, day family, gag gift, finland christmas, christmas tree, christmas finland christmas, christmas finland, evening christmas,