Christmas in Finland is not just Christmas Eve and the two days that follow. It is preceded by a lengthy and cheerful period of busy preparation. For the Church, Christmas begins with the first Sunday in Advent, but long before this, as early as October, countless associations have already set about getting into the holiday spirit. The first off the line are generally the women's organisations, planning their Christmas bazaars. Members get together in the old Finnish tradition, most often to make Christmas decorations.
Every organization throws a party too.
Even town councils may forget their political differences and join forces for one happy evening. They may put on a play or sketch for the amusement of their own staff. And people flock to hear it. All over the country there are advent concerts in the evening. It is around this time that the Christmas lights come on in shops and offices.