St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day, known as *Tapaninpäivä* in Finnish, is celebrated on December 26th in Finland, immediately following Christmas Day. It is a public holiday and part of the traditional Christmas festivities. The day is named after Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and holds both religious and cultural significance. In Finland, St. Stephen's Day is often associated with relaxation and spending time with family and friends after the busy Christmas celebrations. It is also a day for outdoor activities, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides or walks in the snow, reflecting Finland's deep connection to nature and winter traditions. Historically, the day was linked to the end of the Christmas feasting period and marked the beginning of the transition back to everyday life. In modern times, St. Stephen's Day is a time for leisure, with many people enjoying the extended holiday break. It is also a day when some Finns attend church services or participate in community events. Overall, St. Stephen's Day in Finland is a peaceful and reflective continuation of the Christmas season, blending tradition with the joy of winter.