The Christmas Sauna

A sauna taken at Christmas is a Scandinavian tradition that holds both spiritual and communal significance. In Nordic cultures, the sauna is considered a sacred place of purification, relaxation, and even a connection to spirits. During Christmas, the sauna becomes a place to cleanse both body and mind before the festivities.

Historically, people believed that saunas were inhabited by spirits, including those of ancestors. Some families would leave the sauna empty for a while on Christmas Eve to allow these spirits to visit.

In advance of Christmas, the sauna is meticulously cleaned and decorated with spruce branches. Aromatic oils or birch whisks (vihta or vasta) are sometimes used to enhance the experience. The sauna elf, or saunatonttu, is a mythical being in Finnish culture that is especially important during Christmas. The saunatonttu is the guardian of the sauna, and is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that people behave well. As a token of appreciation, it’s traditional to leave treats for the saunatonttu on Christmas Eve, such as gingerbread men, bread, or beer.

Families usually gather in the sauna before the main Christmas celebrations for a peaceful, reflective time spent together, setting a calm tone. The sauna session often takes place in the afternoon of Christmas Eve, leaving the evening free for the festive meal and gift-giving.

The Christmas sauna represents a fresh start, a cleansing of old worries, and a way to embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with loved ones before the hustle and bustle of Christmas.