lähinäössä
Lähinäössä is a traditional Finnish Christmas custom that involves leaving out shoes, boots, or a piece of wood outside the front door overnight on Christmas Eve. The belief is that if someone has been good during the year, the shoes will be filled with small gifts or treats, such as hay, sugar, and sometimes even small presents, by the morning of Christmas Day. This custom is deeply rooted in Finnish folklore and is considered a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate the holiday season.
The origins of lähinäössä are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have pagan roots, possibly
The gifts left in the shoes are typically symbolic and meant to bring good luck for the
While lähinäössä is most commonly associated with Finland, similar customs can be found in other cultures,