jõulud

Jõulud is the Estonian word for Christmas and the Christmas season as observed by Estonians and Estonian-speaking communities. The celebration combines religious elements rooted in Christian Christmas with secular winter traditions. The term jõulud is linked to jõululaupäev (Christmas Eve) and is used to refer to the broader holiday period, including Christmas Day (esimene jõulupüha) and the following day (teine jõulupüha).

Traditionally, the main observance is on Christmas Eve (jõululaupäev) on 24 December, when many families gather for a festive meal and exchange gifts. The Christmas tree is often put up and decorated before or on Christmas Eve, with candles or lights. A characteristic figure is Jõuluvana, the winter gift-bringer analogous to Santa Claus, who visits homes on Christmas Eve to give presents to children. Religious services are held in churches; carols and songs (jõululaulud) are common, especially in the evenings.

Modern celebrations also include public Christmas markets, especially in Tallinn, with crafts, food, and music; many people attend church services; some travel to rural areas to visit relatives; the season extends into the days after Christmas as part of the winter holidays.

Food and customs vary, but common elements include a festive meal with pork or fish, potatoes and sauerkraut, verivorst (blood sausage) in some households, various pastries, and traditional sweets; mulled wine or hot beverages are enjoyed in many settings.