A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
December. Christmas. And what country is more in tune with Christmas than Finland, the home of Santa Claus.
Take some time this month to explore online the Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi with your children or grandchildren by going to http://www.santaclausvillage.info. You can see live video from the Arctic Circle, visit the reindeer, see Mrs. Claus’ little cottage, watch the elves, and view lots of pictures and videos of life with Santa Claus.
Here are some of the celebrations that Finnish groups in the region are hosting.
The Knights and Ladies of Kaleva Pohjolaisen Maja No. 25 and Soinnuttaren Tupa No. 32, of Virginia, will celebrate their Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) at Kaleva Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5. The party will include a meal catered by Kunnari’s, fellowship, Christmas music and wonderful decor, and special entertainment. The event is open to Kaleva members and their guests. Reservations are required by contacting Janet ([email protected]).
The Finnish American and Friends group will celebrate Christmas with a wonderful meal and program on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 4010 9th Ave. W., Hibbing. For more information or to make reservations, contact Mary Ann at [email protected].
The 39th annual Pikkujoulu Celebration, sponsored by the Minnesota Finnish American Historical Society Lakehead Chapter, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth. A fantastic Finnish dinner will be followed by a great program including music by the Järvenpää Singers as well as Steve Solkela (and his Overpopulated One-Man Band). Reservations are needed. Contact Donna Iisakka (218-590-8655) to see if there are any more openings for you to join this long-standing Christmas celebration with Finns and friends.
The Ladies of Kaleva Vellamon Tupa No. 4, of Ely, will hold their Pikkujoulu celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 10 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Grand Ely Lodge. Members and guests are welcome to gather for lunch followed by an interesting program.
The Sami Cultural Center will celebrate their Winter and Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 4-7 p.m.. Held at the Sami Center, 4915 E. Superior St, #205, Duluth. (Use the Pitt Street entrance.) The event will feature a 4:30 program with Allison Aune called “Arctic Arts Summit: Sami and Circumpolar Arts and Culture.” This event does not require reservations, is free and is open to the public. Come and enjoy the program and make a Christmas ornament. Light refreshments will be available.
The Ladies of Kaleva Aallottaren Tupa No. 15, of Duluth, will meet for their annual Christmas luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon at Valentini’s Restaurant on London Road in Duluth. This event is open to members and guests but reservations are needed by Saturday, Dec. 7. Contact Karen at [email protected].
There are a lot of Pikkujoulu and Christmas celebrations going on throughout December. Make the time to get out and enjoy the holidays with Finn family and friends.
