One of the Finnish national epics is Seven Brothers (Finnish title: Seitsemän veljestä) by Aleksis Kivi first issued in year 1870. The book features also one of the most memorable descriptions of past christmas traditions on the peasent families. The topic of 1980 Christmas postage stamps takes it’s source from these traditions by displaying old time christmas games . This was also the first Christmas postage stamp issue to feature two separate stamps.

1980 Finland - Christmas postage stamp

Though the old Christmas was a respectefull celebration, it also had another more festive side including sahti (homemade ale), wrestling and other friendly games. Straws are no longer put on the floors, but homemade ale as well as various friendly games / competitions are still a major part of the Finnish Christmas traditions.

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