Pikkujoulu, or ‘Little Christmas,’ is a cherished Finnish tradition marking the onset of the Christmas season.
The celebrations begin in early November but the official beginning is the first Sunday of Advent. This period is characterized by festive gatherings that are held in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and public venues like restaurants and hotels. These celebrations are known for their jovial atmosphere, complete with traditional Finnish Christmas foods, mulled wine, music, and dance.
Pikkujoulu is not just a party; it’s a culturally significant event that unites people in anticipation and joy, embodying the spirit of the upcoming Christmas holidays.
The Spirit of Pikkujoulu
Pikkujoulu is the time of the year when Finns gather together, party, and revel in the anticipation of the Christmas holidays. This festive period is characterized by joyous celebrations and social gatherings, marking a stark contrast to the quieter, more reflective nature of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which are typically spent in the company of close family and friends. This distinction highlights the unique way in which Finns embrace the holiday season.
When Did the Pikkujoulu Tradition Begin?
The tradition of pikkujoulu in Finland can be traced back to the early 20th century, with its origins rooted in the country’s academic circles. The inaugural celebrations of Little Christmas were spearheaded by university departments. According to YLE, Docent Teppo Korhonen from the University of Helsinki, the students of Lund and Uppsala universities in Sweden, in the late 1800s, served as significant influences for Finnish students in adopting the ‘Little Christmas’ tradition.
The concept of pikkujoulu then transitioned from academic settings to the corporate world. Kone, a prominent Finnish elevator engineering company, emerged as a pioneer in this regard. In the 1930s, it became the first company in Finland to officially celebrate Christmas with its employees, setting a precedent for other businesses to follow. This shift marked the beginning of Pikkujoulu’s integration into Finnish working life and its broader cultural landscape.
Introducing…Christmas Foods
From large corporations to small groups, every organization in Finland celebrates pikkujoulu. It’s a time for joyous office parties, family gatherings, and socializing with friends around a table full of Christmas-inspired foods and drinks.
During this period some of the traditional Christmas specialities can be served for the first time. For example, rice pudding (which is basically a creamy rice porridge) served with mixed fruit soup called sekahedelmäkiisseli. This kind of kiisseli usually is usually made with dried plums, apricots, apples and pears with addition of cinnamon.
Other Christmas foods sometimes served during pikkujoulu is joulukinkku (Christmas ham), and the distinctively flavored joululeipä, a Christmas bread made with rye flour, malt, buttermilk, dark syrup, orange juice, anise, and fennel spice.
Many restaurants hosting pikkujoulu parties however avoid serving actual Christmas foods and focus on simply making good food with perhaps some Christmas elements added. After all, the pikkujoulu party season often begins in mid-November already and eating Christmas food that much before Christmas is simply not something many Finns like to do.
There is one drink that commonly is served during the Christmas season, including pikkujoulu: glögi. Glögi is a mulled wine infused with Christmas spices like cinnamon, anise, and cloves, often served with raisins and almonds. It’s available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, with the latter made from berry juice. This warm, aromatic drink is a staple at Finnish pre-Christmas parties.
Are You Not Entertained?
Apart from being served tasty food and drinks, pikkujoulu parties often include entertainment such as music or comedy – or maybe both. Also magicians, dancers, actors and TV/radio presenters often find that the pikkujoulu season is the most lucrative time for them. After all, showing your employees that you can afford a famous person as your pikkujoulu host is often seen as a sign of success and might reassure workers who have doubts about their current employer.
Heavy Drinking and Disorderly Conduct
Yes, many Finns drink alcohol when celebrating pikkujoulu. At some parties, employers pick up the tab, including any alcoholic beverages drunk. At parties where this isn’t the case, many people might simply buy their own alcohol or perhaps bring a pocket flask with vodka with them. As a result, people get too drunk and cases of disorderly conduct linked to pikkujoulu parties make the news.
Despite the sometimes heavy drinking at pikkujoulu parties, many people stay sober during pikkujoulu. After all, your colleagues and friends are watching you and you might not want to embarrass yourself completely in front of them.
In conclusion, pikkujoulu is more than just a prelude to Christmas; it’s a heartfelt celebration of Finnish culture and community spirit. Do you have similar traditions in your country? Leave us a comment below!