There's nothing quite like being told that the beliefs you had of Santa in your childhood were stupid. This is essentially what happened to me today when we discussed the Christmas traditions of Finland. The lady giving the lecture was describing the Santa of Finland. "Santa comes in the door," she says, "not the chimney, because that is stupid, there's a door!" "He doesn't fly, because that is stupid, his sleigh is pulled by reindeer. Reindeer walk across the snow." "He doesn't live at the North Pole, that's stupid, no one lives there. He lives on a mountain in the northeast part of Finland."
Apparently, in Finland each family hires a Santa to visit their house and bring presents to their children. The good children sing a special song to welcome Santa into their homes. It seems that it is quite a good way to celebrate the holiday. Also, I learned that to the Finns, the Santa's Workshop in the north is just a tourist attraction and that Santa really lives on ear mountain. At least, that's what I think it is.
Please comment on my posts, I feel like I'm babbling to myself.
We're listening, Molly!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you have made it to Finland. Sure sounds like fun!
Hi Molly,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you spoke up about comments! My new tradition is that when I sit down at the table after letting the dog out and getting coffee started is to open up my laptop and see if there is any new blog from you!
I wonder where the story of Santa coming down the chimney started? I realize it may appear as "stupid" to the outsider but I think it lends itself to the magic of the day. I believe in Santa!
Are you getting your e-mail, too? We keep getting messages about illegal sign in and they aren't letting you send mail but wasn't sure if you could read the messages. I guess google wasn't expecting you to go to Iceland and then Finland!
Thanks for the posts. It is fun to read about your adventures and of course, you know it brings me a sense of relief knowing you are alive! :-)
Love,
Mom
Relevant cultural information is interesting. The babbly parts come when you try to describe your visceral experience and it just sounds like a pack of cliches.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that, brother dear.
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