1. A Christmas in Finland By: Alex Gonzalez

2. History of The Holiday The Druids held their winter celebration on the shortest day of the year (Dec. 21) when they move on from the worst of the winter months and start looking forward to longer daytime hours. Celtic priests would cut mistletoe and bless it. The fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of the life in dark winter months. The Roman winter solstice, also called Saturnalia, involved men dressing as women and masters dressing as servants. Parades, decorating houses with greenery, candle-lighting, and present giving occurred. They celebrated Saturn, the god of agriculture for over a month. During the same period they would celebrate Juvenalia, which honored the children. On December 25, the Romans would honor Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, who was believed to be born of a rock. In the 4th Century AD, Pope Julius I dictated that December 25th should be the date of Christmas, but it would be known as the Feast of the Nativity. Prior to this declaration, Easter was the primary Christian holiday. His declaration was an attempt by the Church to Christianize otherwise Pagan celebrations like Saturnalia.

3. Types of Decorations  bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is a popular decorative motif portrayed in the Nordic Christmas tradition.  Finnish Christmas kitsch  traditional Finnish himmeli.  traditional straw billy-goat.  Finnish Christmas tree

4. Traditional Foods Served Finnish Rice Pudding Karjalan piirakka (Karelian pasties) with eggbutter (munavoi). Leipäjuustoa (bread cheese), also called "squeeky cheese. Pannukakkua (Oven pancake). Also called kropsua Piparkakkua (spice cookies) and Lucia pullaa (St. Lucia Day Credit to: http://pasty.com/finnish/page6.html

5. Holiday Traditions  many Finns find solace in a saint.  White-clad Saint Lucia, borrowed from Catholic and Orthodox churches, wears a striking crown of tall white candles and sings ancient songs to urge people out of their winter doldrums. The main event takes place on December 13  The highlight of the evening comes when Santa knocks on the door and asks, "Are there any well-behaved children here?" Naturally, every home contains only good children and they all receive presents  In a tradition that has roots in the 13th century, "Christmas Peace" is declared in Turku on December 24 Credit to:  http://finland.fi/Public/default.aspx?contentid=180470&nodeid=424 13&culture=en-US