Tampere
Preoccupied by school I didn’t realize that the holiday season had arrived 3 weeks ago and it was nearing it’s big finale. Spending time in Tampere with my relatives really got me in the Christmas spirit. It was a beautiful Christmas day the sun was shining on the white landscape and it was just below freezing. As soon as I arrived we went to Stockmann’s which was bustling with people finishing up their last minute shopping. Later at Jonni and Kirsi’s we cut gingerbread cookies with the boys and had gloggi all as Christmas carols played on the radio. In a wierd way I felt like I was “home for the holidays” in Finland.
Helsinki
Helsinki was also a great change of pace. I had arrived in Helsinki and had dinner with aunt Anneli and opened a few pre-Christmas gifts. (Wool socks, mittens, and a hat, which is EXACTLY what I needed to keep my southern California bones warm!) Later I spent time with my cousin Juuso and his friends for a Christmas gathering/ new living room revealing.
Salo For Christmas
I took a train through the countryside to Salo on Christmas eve day. It was a relaxing 4 days and 3 nights surrounded by family and a beautiful landscape…