In the Scandinavian countries, a little gnome named Julenisse puts presents under the tree at night. The children leave porridge out for him. It is from the Scandinavian countries that we derive most of our “Yule Log” traditions. The dark cold winters inspired the development of the traditions concerned with warmth and light. The Yule log was originally the entire tree. The tree was brought into the house with quite a ceremony. The tree was fed into the hearth slowly so that it lasted throughout the Yule season.
Christmas Tradition in Finland
