The Christmas Story

This is cuteness maximised!

In Finland we celebrate Christmas most on Christmas Eve. Or that is the main day, we do celebrate it for a whole three days (24th, 25th, 26th) - but the Eve is when we have our big dinner, open presents, Santa Claus visits, most go to Church - you can also go on Christmas morning at 7am, which is even more traditional, and which is what we in my family do. It's followed by traditional breakfast at my aunt's with all those who went to Church together, or who just play along in the morning. I used to do the Watch Night service, but it has changed to this in the last two years.. Some years before this, I did both!

Nobody works here on the 24th, unless you are in the service sector (or church staff :)). All shops (except those with special license) close at 12 noon on Christmas Eve. So that's when Christmas officially starts here! And they don't open until the 27th.

This year (And most years) it's winter wonderland. It was -20C yesterday..Just now it is only -12C!