Some of my fondest memories are from the long summer holidays. The days seemed endless, filled with sunshine and the hum of insects in the tall grass. I’d hop on my bike and ride to the nearby lake. Even now, I love to sit by the shore and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves. There’s truly nothing better than the comforting heat of a sauna followed by a refreshing swim in the lake. It’s a ritual that feels like the essence of Finnish summer.
Winter brought a different kind of magic. Snow blanketed everything, softening the world into silence. I remember building snow castles with my friends, our cheeks red from the cold, our mittens soaked but our spirits high. We’d sculpt towers and tunnels, imagining kingdoms in the snow, warmed by the thought of hot cocoa waiting at home.
I believe you can smell the first day of winter. There’s something crisp and quiet in the air, a scent that signals the change. Snow reflects light so beautifully it’s almost hard to believe it’s real. On some days, I find myself longing for spring, waiting for it to come and melt all that has been frozen.
To me, Finnishness is found in these simple, quiet moments. It’s the connection to nature, the appreciation of solitude, and the strength found in community and tradition. It’s the resilience to endure long winters and the joy of celebrating the light when it returns. It’s in the silence that speaks volumes.
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