
Does a Christmas sauna or hot tub belong to your holiday traditions?

Many have heard of the Finnish tradition of frequently enjoying the sauna, regardless of the season. Finns always find a good reason to enjoy the sauna and relax in a hot tub. One of the most cherished sauna occasions, alongside the midsummer sauna, is undoubtedly the Christmas sauna.
The Christmas sauna has been a part of Finnish holiday traditions since agrarian times when it was considered the central event of Christmas celebrations. Preparations for heating the sauna began well in advance, sometimes as early as the previous night. The sauna was decorated with straw, spruce branches, and candlelit lanterns.
Often the first major event of the day, the Christmas bath marked the beginning of the holiday with cleanliness and tranquility. The sauna, a space for quiet reflection, required respect and composure. Loud behavior or swearing was unheard of, as sauna traditions encompassed not only physical but also spiritual cleansing.
Passed down faithfully through generations, these sauna traditions were enriched by folklore. After the sauna, the space was cleaned and left for elves or the spirits of ancestors. The sauna elf, believed to reside under the stove or in a corner, was honored with gifts such as a handful of rice or a pat of butter, ensuring safety and good steam or “löyly” in the sauna.
Saunas remain integral to Finnish tradition
With around three million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, Finland is truly a land of saunas. Research shows that Finns experience their first sauna before the age of six months and continue the practice into old age (Source).
Though times have changed, the sauna tradition remains deeply rooted in the Finnish heart.
Historically, saunas were multifunctional spaces used for washing, childbirth, healing the sick, and even preserving food. While many of these uses have disappeared, the essence of the sauna has endured and even become more significant.
For Finns, the sauna continues to be a place to unwind, find peace amidst a hectic lifestyle, and achieve both physical and mental purification. In fact, sauna use in Finland has increased. Where once weekly sauna sessions, often on Saturdays, were the norm, today people enjoy the sauna whenever they please.
Saunas have evolved into leisure centers, complete with hot tubs, terraces, and outdoor kitchens. The therapeutic effects of the sauna are further enhanced with scents and atmospheric lighting. In today’s fast-paced world, the sauna may be even more essential than ever.

Christmas sauna: rest for the soul
Unsurprisingly, the traditional Finnish Christmas traditions still include a sauna session on Christmas Eve. For many families, the Christmas sauna is a shared moment with loved ones. The timing of the sauna varies based on family traditions. Some follow the old custom of a Christmas Eve morning sauna, a ritual of purification for body and soul. Others incorporate the sauna into their Christmas evening, either before dinner and Santa's visit or as a relaxing finale to the day before bedtime.
While tranquility remains central to the sauna experience, families with children might add a playful twist. For example, a “Christmas elf” might leave small surprises, such as gifts or treats, for children to find in the sauna. This adds a touch of Christmas magic to the tradition.
Since snow can no longer be taken for granted at Christmas, alternative cooling-off rituals have emerged. Many saunas now feature hot tubs or cold plunge pools. Those living near bodies of water may opt for a winter swim followed by a warm soak in the hot tub.
Though Christmas sauna traditions vary widely, they all share a common goal: relaxation and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And if there’s no time to sauna on Christmas Eve, you can bet that by Christmas Day, saunas across Finland are fired up.
P.S. As a festive twist, let’s not forget the delightful blog post about how a gingerbread house can also be a gingerbread hot tub!
Have a joyful holiday season!