Christmas and New Year

One thing that has completely changed since I came to Finland is how I celebrate the holidays. The Christmas and New Year season in Finland has a very different spirit from that of Vietnam, whether it be because of the weather, people, or tradition. After experiencing Christmas and NYE twice, I think I have a good idea of what these holidays are about in Finland.  

Christmas used to be nothing more than normal school days for me. Even worse, it was always an exam day. I have no memory of Christmas in Vietnam except for studying and maybe ordering food at home. For my first Christmas in Finland, I didn’t do anything either. I was not used to celebrating it. One year later, having absorbed the Finnish way of living, I began to feel the Christmas spirit. 

Christmas is one of the biggest official holidays in Finland. Santa Claus (joulupukki) is also said to be from Rovaniemi, Finland. Therefore, students get to stay at home and most workers don’t work. The darkest month of the year is lit up by Christmas lights and decorations on the street and apartments’ windows. Christmas smells like glögi (a traditional Christmas drink) and gingerbread cookies. My favorite thing about Christmas is the Christmas market! There are probably bigger Christmas markets in other parts of Europe, but the Helsinki one was already lots of fun for me. I went there with a friend, got matching beanie and gloves, and drank hot glögi. The market looks truly magical from the stairs.

The chilly air somehow makes it feel cozier to be spending time with loved ones. Indeed, while Christmas in Vietnam is about going out on the streets, it is about spending quality time with your family in Finland. Everyone lives life in the slow lane during this season. This year, I got the chance to spend Christmas in a winter cabin with my close friends. The wooden house had a fireplace that made it just like the movies. After all, getting to hang around with the people you love and care about matters much more than the location. I hope that you didn’t have to spend Christmas and NYE alone :)

There is no New Year without the fireworks. In Vietnam, when the clock strikes 0:00, there will be a grand fireworks display hosted by the city. In Finland, individuals are permitted private use of fireworks. From 6 pm on 31 December to 2 am on Jan 1, people can set off their fireworks and you will hear continuous sounds all night. Besides, some big cities have countdown music concerts. Unlike Christmas, NYE in Finland sees more people going out and partying.

Finally, happy New Year to everyone reading my blog! It's been half a year since I started writing and I'm very grateful for all the support that you gave. My 2023 was a year full of changes and experiences. I look forward to spending a successful and lovely 2024 with you 🎊.