Juuluaatto

Juuluaatto is the Finnish term for Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th. It is traditionally the main day for Christmas celebrations in Finland, with many families gathering for a festive meal and exchanging gifts. The evening often begins with a visit to the sauna, a deeply ingrained Finnish tradition associated with cleanliness and relaxation. Following the sauna, families typically enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Common dishes include ham, various casseroles like rutabaga casserole and potato casserole, pickled herring, and rice porridge. The rice porridge is often made with a hidden almond, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the coming year.

After the meal, it is customary for Santa Claus, known as Joulupukki in Finland, to visit homes and distribute presents to children. This visit is a highly anticipated part of the evening. Many Finnish households also watch the classic animated Donald Duck Christmas special, "Kvid the Duck Wishes Merry Christmas," which has been broadcast annually on television since the 1960s and is considered an essential part of the Juuluaatto experience. The day is characterized by a focus on family, tradition, and a peaceful, festive atmosphere before Christmas Day.