joulunalus

Joulunalus is a Finnish term for the period preceding Christmas. The word combines joulua (Christmas) with -nus, indicating a state or process. In everyday use it refers to both the religious Advent season and the broader season of preparation and anticipation that leads up to Christmas Day. In Finland the joulunalus period generally runs from late November or early December until Christmas Eve.

During joulunalus, many people engage in both religious and secular traditions. The Advent season is marked by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath on the Sundays of Advent, a practice shared by many Christian communities. Secular customs include decorating homes with lights and ornaments, preparing Christmas foods such as pastries and cookies, shopping for gifts, and exchanging greetings and plans for family gatherings. Advent calendars, which count down the days of December, are widely used to mark the approach of Christmas.

Culturally, joulunalus is a time of heightened festive mood and social activities, extending into Christmas Eve, known as jouluaatto, when many households hold their main Christmas meal and give gifts. For many Finns, joulunalus blends religious reflection with family-centered celebration, and it is commonly observed across the country with regional variations.