Week 10: Holidays and celebration days

Since the season is getting a bit colder and the previous outdoor walk we had we decided to go on another hike for this final meeting. During our hike we talked about holiday season and all the festivities that are common in our own countries. In Germany, the holiday season begins with Nikolaus on the 6th of December, a tradition like the Dutch Sinterklaas. On the evening of December 5th, children place a boot on their doorstep, and overnight, St. Nicholas fills it with small gifts and sweets. Another important tradition is the Advent wreath, made of fir branches and decorated with four candles. Every Sunday during Advent, one more candle is lit as Christmas approaches. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, presents are placed under the Christmas tree, and families gather to celebrate. The 25th and 26th of December are official Christmas holidays in Germany, marked by family gatherings and festive meals. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is celebrated on the 5th of December. Children sing songs and receive gifts from Sinterklaas, making it a joyful event for families. Another major celebration in the Netherlands is Koningsdag, or King’s Day, which honours the Dutch king’s birthday. On this day, everyone wears orange, and people either party all day or participate in markets where they sell old belongings. In Finland, the holiday season includes several important celebrations. Jouluaatto (Christmas Eve) on December 24th is the most significant day for Finnish Christmas, where families enjoy traditional meals like casseroles and relax in a Christmas sauna. On December 6th, Finland celebrates Independence Day with formal ceremonies and a presidential reception broadcast nationwide. Another cherished holiday is Juhannus (Midsummer), celebrated in June with bonfires, sauna sessions, and gatherings at summer cottages to mark the longest day of the