Jõulude

Jõulud is the Estonian word for Christmas, used as a plural noun. The genitive plural form jõulude is used to indicate possession or association with Christmas, for example in phrases such as jõulude ajal meaning 'during Christmas'.

Historically, jõulud refers to the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus; in modern Estonia, the term covers both religious observances and secular traditions.

In Estonia, the main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve, known as jõululaupäev. Families gather, decorate a tree, and exchange greetings and gifts. The Christmas season often includes church services, festive songs (jõululaulud), and other customs common to Northern Europe.

Jõulude is commonly used in media, calendars, and everyday speech when referring to the period or things connected to Christmas.