Joulupöydän

Joulupöytä, which translates to "Christmas table" in English, is a central element of Finnish Christmas celebrations. It refers to the traditional feast prepared and enjoyed during the Christmas season. The joulupöytä is characterized by a variety of dishes, with a strong emphasis on pork and fish.

Key components of a typical joulupöytä include kinkku (Christmas ham), often baked and glazed, and various fish preparations such as gravlax (cured salmon) and pickled herring. Potatoes are a staple, often served as mashed potatoes or boiled. Other common dishes include rutabaga casserole, carrot casserole, and liver pâté. Swedish meatballs are also a popular addition.

For dessert, rice pudding (riisipuuro) is traditional, often with a hidden almond, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck for the coming year. Gingerbread cookies and other Christmas pastries are also frequently served. The joulupöytä is a communal meal, typically enjoyed with family and friends, and it is a time for feasting and togetherness. The preparation of the joulupöytä is an important tradition, with many dishes being prepared in advance. The sheer variety and abundance of food are hallmarks of the Finnish Christmas table.