Hello everyone, I am Bipana Rana, an international student of International Tourism Management. I love travelling and exploring diverse cultures, so I set out on a delightful trip to Rauma, Finland, to celebrate Christmas with my close friend.
Come explore this charming seaside town with me and uncover the allure of Finnish Christmas!
My bus reached the snow-covered runway in Rauma, and the sight of a blanket of white gave me hope for a classic Finnish Christmas. The town was illuminated by the warm and bright lights of the seasons, and the air was fresh. With sparkling lights and smells of holiday food, my friend’s apartment transformed into a hygge heaven. We sat by the fireside, drinking glögi, a traditional mulled wine, and exchanging tales about our Christmas customs.
Old Rauma looked like a scene from a Christmas card, with its wooden homes dating back centuries. There were candles in the windows and wreaths in each home. It was a winter wonderland with cobblestone streets that beckoned us to walk hand in hand.
My friend and I spent the afternoon making traditional Christmas sweets. Then, we went for a relaxed sauna. A trip to a sauna is necessary for any Finnish Christmas and it was a very peaceful and calming experience.
It was a joy to visit the Rauma Christmas Market. Handmade goods, regional specialties and joyful decorations brimmed from stall to stall. And I discovered beautiful presents for loved ones. We went to the midnight Mass at the church of the Holy Cross on Christmas Eve. It was an incredibly special occasion because of the peaceful, spiritual ambience of the choir and the gentle glow of the candles.
Finally, my Finnish Christmas dream was realized when the warmth of friendship and the bitter cold merged into one unforgettable moment.
Text and pictures: Bipana Rana, a second year International Tourism Management students