Today kids don´t have to go to school, most shops are closed and busses run on Sunday timetables because people celebrate. But in difference to the Netherlands, where kids receive there Christmas presents – I which you all my Dutch readers a nice Saint Nicholas Parties today – Fins are not Celebrating Christmas today. After being long time (560 years) a part of Sweden and 108 years a part of Russia, Finland declared independents on December the 6th in 1917.

Therefore the 6th of December is a public holiday. Nowadays finish people spend this day watch the movie "The Unknown Soldier" during the day, afterwards follow how special invited guests enter the independence day reception in Helsinki, will talking gossip about the dresses of the women on TV. At 6pm in the evening they meet in there own city walk on the blocked roads to the center, listen to long speeches and watch a firework. After the get together many Finnish families to light two candles in each window of their home.

@my reader: I would be glad if some finish people would comment this blog post and tell us more about how they usually spend there independence Day. Thanks in advance!