As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, the Nordic countries embrace the season’s darkness with warmth, light, and tradition. These unique celebrations—simple, thoughtful, and steeped in natural beauty—are the same inspirations that shape our Fig's jewelry. From Sweden to Finland, Christmas time is a season of gathering, sharing, and honoring age-old customs that connect people with each other and with the winter landscape. Here’s a look at some of the most cherished holiday traditions in the Nordics.
Lucia Dag: The festival of light
On December 13, Sweden and parts of Finland celebrate Lucia Dag, a holiday that brings light and hope into the heart of winter. It is a heartwarming celebration filled with music, food, and candle-lit processions.
The Lussi procession is led by a young girl chosen to represent Lucia, dressed in a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles. Alongside her, other participants dressed as “star boys” and handmaids sing traditional songs, filling the air with soft harmonies. This day wouldn’t be complete without lussekatter, saffron-infused buns shaped like curled cats, adding warmth, aroma, and a golden hue to the festivities. Families often gather at dawn to share treats and to take a moment of gratitude, embracing the light of Lucia during the year’s darkest days.
Christmas Eve: Nordic Nights of Togetherness
Christmas Eve in the Nordics is all about cozy simplicity and time with loved ones. Families gather to decorate the tree, often with handmade or natural ornaments that bring a bit of the forest inside. The evening unfolds with a warm meal of traditional dishes—whether it’s roasted meats, savory fish, or classic potato casseroles, each bite celebrates local flavors and family recipes.
After dinner, gifts are exchanged, but the highlight is the quiet moments spent together—maybe sharing stories, singing carols, or just enjoying the flicker of candles and the soft glow of the Christmas tree. It’s a night to pause, appreciate each other, and embrace the peaceful magic of winter.
Winter sauna: A soul-warming tradition
The sauna is an essential part of life in the Nordics, particularly in Finland, where it’s enjoyed year-round. However, in winter, the sauna takes on a special meaning, offering a sanctuary from the cold and a moment of tranquility. In many homes and holiday cabins, a sauna is a place to warm the body and soul alike, especially during the colder months when freezing temperatures and snowy landscapes make the contrast all the more refreshing.
In the heart of winter, the sauna experience often includes an invigorating plunge into icy water—sometimes even in a frozen lake if there’s one nearby. This combination of intense warmth and freezing cold is believed to refresh the body and mind, awakening the senses and creating a sense of resilience against the winter chill. For those who try it, the experience is unforgettable, adding a unique twist to the Nordic approach to well-being and balance.
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Christmas in the Nordics is more than just a holiday; it’s a celebration of light, togetherness, and the quiet beauty of winter. From the soft glow of Lucia’s candles to the cherished simplicity of a winter sauna, each tradition inspires a sense of connection and reflection. These values of simplicity and appreciation for the natural world are at the heart of our Fig's jewelry as well, blending Nordic aesthetics with timeless design to bring a touch of the North to each piece. This season, may you find inspiration in these Nordic traditions—whether in a cozy family gathering or a piece of jewelry that reflects the magic of winter itself.