Tonttujen

Tonttujen is a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve celebration that takes place on the evening of December 24th. The term "tonttu" translates to "troll" or "gnome" in English, and the celebration is centered around the mythical tonttu creatures who are believed to bring gifts to children. The tonttujen tradition is deeply rooted in Finnish folklore and has been practiced for centuries.

The celebration begins with the lighting of a special Christmas tree, known as the joulupuu, in the evening. The tree is adorned with candles, ornaments, and a star at the top. Families gather around the tree to share stories, sing carols, and enjoy traditional Finnish foods such as porridge, pickled herring, and Christmas cakes.

As the clock strikes midnight, the tonttu creatures are said to visit homes and leave gifts for the children. The gifts are typically small, handmade items such as toys, sweets, or homemade crafts. In some regions, the tonttu creatures are believed to bring coal to naughty children as a warning.

The tonttujen celebration is an important part of Finnish Christmas traditions and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. The tradition is still practiced today, and many families continue to light a Christmas tree and leave out gifts for the tonttu creatures on Christmas Eve. The tonttujen celebration is a reminder of the importance of family, community, and the magic of the holiday season.