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Gerbers for the families of his farm workers. As Santa, Johann distributed gifts provided by the employer to each member of the 10 or more families gathered around the Christmas tree. This year Mr. Gerber will substitute for his son in this role.The Derrill Mergers of 3701Dalehurst Drive have already begun introducing their AFS daughter, Seija Hytonen, to American traditions. Things which Seija has found novel include the Christmas parade, the fact that the Morgers will decorate an artificial green Christmas tree, and that presents will be placed under the tree.Moreover, at home in Finland, most of the Christmas activity occurs on Dec. 24. Early that morning Seija’s grandfather and the nine children in her family ski to the nearby forest to select with great care the prettiest tree for their home. After shaking the snow from its branches, they bring it home, where the whole family helps decorate it. Until recently, real candles were used, but now the Hy-tonens use electric candles, ornaments, tinsel, and small red apples.While this activity is transpiring, the two women of the house, the grandmother and mother, prepare the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, which has three main entrees. Thefirst is baked ham garnished with plums. Next comes “lepeakala,” which is dried codfish that has been frozenin lye. placed in a mesh bag and thawed in a stream for a week, and then boiled in seasoned water. This is served with wihte gravy and boiled potatoes. The third dish is baked diced beef and pork. A rutabaga casserole and raisin soup over rice pudding complete the main meal. The raisin soup is made from dried apricots, plums, and raisins boiled and thickened with potato flour.After dinner the whole family, including the children, drink coffee as they eat homemade gingersnaps, plum tarts, and apple tarts.qhf jfahrrsfirlft (Californian Tuesday, Dec. 20,1 966 1Later the family takes turns%rat their “sauna,” the steam bath found at all Finnish homes. The parents and young children go first, followed by night, the older children either individually or in groups according to sex.Dressed inj their nightclothes, the children then await the visit of “Joulupuk-kai” (yollo pook’ key), or Santa Claus. Either papa or a neighbor fills the role with either a full costume or Santa mask and fur coat. When Santa knocks on the door, he is immediately welcomed by the children, who sing carols as he distributes gifts to all members of the family. (The children know Santa will always appear, but they fearhis present will be a packet of switches if they have been bad.) After opening their gifts, the Hytonens retire for theSeija fondly recalls that onChristmas morning the family members rise early and ridevto church in a horse-drawn sleigh complete with bells. A leisurely day follows, with family fellowship and the munching on leftovers, red apples, peanuts, and store-bought candy.This year Seija helped decorate the tree Dec. 15 and will open presents with the Morgers on Christmas morning. Then she will participate in a lively family gathering of 30 people for the gala earlyafternoon dinner consisting of the traditional turkey, ham, yams, cranberry salad, pies, and the featured dessert, the traditional peanut butter cakeof Mrs. Stella Adams, the mother of Mrs. Morger. The rest of the day will be spent visiting and playing cards or dominoes.Xasseem Goizar of Iranfinds that celebration of Christmas is similar to her country’s “No Rouz,” or “NewDay,” which is the main holiday of the year and occurs at the time of the vernal equinox at various times of the day, from sunrise to dusk, depending on the position of celestial bodies. It is at this time that gifts and good wishes are exchanged, but
Newspaper Details
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield, California, US
Tue, Dec 20, 1966
Page 24
Full Page
Clipped by
Familysearch
Utah, USA 24 Jan 2023
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