Dear Rotarians,
Dear Rotaractors
The Christmas season in our
home countries – the USA, Finland, and Switzerland – is a time of joy and
togetherness, even though each country celebrates in its own way. Everywhere,
the values of family, generosity, and warmth are at the heart of the season,
though customs and atmospheres differ.
In the United States, the
holiday season begins with Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
This celebration focuses on gratitude and family, with traditional dishes such
as roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. The following day, Black Friday, marks the
start of the Christmas shopping season. From then on, homes and cities sparkle
with lights and Christmas trees, and festive music fills the air.
Christmas is celebrated on
December 25th, with Christmas Eve spent in joyful anticipation. Santa Claus
plays a central role, delivering gifts overnight. Families exchange presents,
attend church services, and enjoy festive meals such as roasted turkey or ham.
In Switzerland, Christmas
traditions are closely tied to Advent. When the Church introduced Advent in the
4th century, it was meant to create a time of peace and reflection before
celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Today, streets and homes glow with candles,
stars, and wreaths. At Christmas markets, people enjoy mulled wine and handmade
goods. The main celebration takes place on Christmas Eve, when families gather
for dinner and exchange gifts brought by the Christkind (Christ Child).
Christmas Day itself is calm and family oriented.
In Finland, people begin
decorating their homes with lights, stars, and candles at the beginning of
December to brighten the dark winter. Many towns host Christmas markets
offering crafts, glögi (Finnish mulled wine), and gingerbread cookies.
As in Switzerland, December
24th is the most important day of the celebration. In the morning, many Finns
visit the sauna to relax and cleanse themselves – a symbolic start to the
festivities. Dinner often includes ham, casseroles made from rutabagas or potatoes,
and various fish dishes. Finland is especially famous as the home of Santa
Claus, said to live in Lapland, near the village of Rovaniemi.
In the USA, Finland, and
Switzerland, we celebrate Christmas with warmth, joy, and a sense of
togetherness.
*** Merry Christmas! ***
John P. Manning
District Governor 2025-2026 D1980
Jouni K. Heinonen
District Governor 2025-2026 D1990
Andrea Weber
District Governor 2025-2026 D2000
