The Christmas season has come once again! Which means all the scenery changes! The streets are full of lights, Christmas trees are placed at homes, Christmas movies are played (The Grinch for sure), warm cocoa and gingerbread cookies are enjoyed in bed, and of course, it is time to look for the most beautiful Christmas decorations. But what does Christmas for foreigners look like? I would add that apart from the Christmas vibes, most international students might feel homesick during this season. I especially miss my home because my dad is a Christmas person who starts to play Christmas Carols very, very early into the Christmas season.
In my attempt to better understand the Estonian culture, I sought to compare some Christmas traditions belonging to my homeland Ecuador and compare them to the Estonian Christmas traditions. Crazy right? But at the end of reading this blog, you will be surprised because both cultures have many similarities. Even though we are far from home, I have noticed that we can always find new ways to enjoy this beautiful time of year. While walking through the streets of Tartu and Tallinn, I realized that Estonia has many Christmas traditions. I also realized that, curiously, there are traditions from my homeland that are a bit similar. I bring a somewhat unusual blog about the similarities and differences between Christmas vibes in Estonia and Ecuador.
(Tip: while you read this, feel comfortable and have a hot chocolate)
Weather: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (?) Fun fact: This is the first time I have seen snow in my whole life.
It is a fact that the weather can change your mood. Hence, it is not a secret that the days in Estonia start to get shorter and darker faster and faster. For example, while I am writing this blog, it is 4:00 p.m. and it is tremendously dark outside. I must be honest; I don’t like at all that daylight ends quickly. Also, the temperature right now fluctuates between -10 to -15 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, my recommendation is this: Don’t let the weather or lack of light interrupt your routine. For example, I usually go to the gym in the morning, and even though it’s dark when I get there, I go out, and the atmosphere feels better because it’s already light. In Ecuador, the lowest temperature I experienced was 7 degrees Celsius. I never experienced a lack of light during the day. Without a doubt, this new process can help you to know yourself better. In that sense, I encourage you to look for the beauty in the darkness of Estonia. For example, I decorated my room with lights and bought a special tea for those cold winter nights (My special recommendation is apple tea with cinnamon and a pryaniki (a special Russian cookie) to eat).
The winter weather in Estonia is made for hanging on to a cup of hot glögi, also known as glögg. The feeling of having a warm drink, especially if the temperature is -10 outside is simply delightful. In Estonia and Nordic places, it is very traditional to drink this spiced (usually) alcoholic drink that is based on white or sweet red wine and spices. The first step in making glögg consists of adding spices to boiling water. Then, the mixture is filtrated, and fruit juice, or wine, is added after it has simmered for a few minutes. Also, other variations start with warming (rather than boiling) the wine, alcohol, and sugar while allowing the spices to infuse in it overnight. Cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger are the most often used spices in glögg. Orange or lemon peel, raisins, or almonds are some more typical additions. Personally, I like glögi more and more, of course, with Vana Tallinn.
Conversely, during the December season in Ecuador, the traditional “canelazo” is always on the table. The “canelazo” is a traditional beverage from the Andean region of Ecuador. It is made by heating water with cinnamon and sugar, and after it is added, “puntas,” which is essentially pure sugar cane alcohol. In contrast to the weather in Estonia, the Ecuadorian Andean region experiences chilly, rainy weather on a regular basis. Most of the time people go out at night, especially during the city festivals, which are typically the ideal time to ward off the cold and warm up with a delicious canelazo.
Here is an honest recommendation! The Tartu Christmas market has many options. For instance, a typical Estonian delicacy called “pirukas” is made of dough pockets filled with various ingredients. Either ordinary bread dough or crumbly, flaky puff pastry can be used to make the dough. The fillings can be anything from rice, mushrooms, and carrots to pork, ham, and cabbage. In Ecuador, bags full of traditional candies and cookies are very common. I haven’t seen that in Estonia, but I’m so in love with Kalev chocolate (Seriously, it is very tasty)
Additional info: you can check the web page and the Instagram account of https://joululinntartu.ee/ to see the details and opening hours of the Tartu Christmas market and go for a walk while you’re enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.
All I want for Christmas is… GIFTS?
About gifts, in Estonia people tend to do “Secret Santa” with their close friends and relatives. In Ecuador, we call it “Amigo Secreto”. The essence is the same in both cultures and I’m glad to discover that both perspectives think about giving something valuable and remarkable. At the end of the day, that is what Christmas is all about, the pleasure of giving something to someone you appreciate. That makes me realize that it does not matter in which part of the world you are, gifts always bring joy to people.
In short, what do Estonia and Ecuador have in common when it comes to Christmas? I will say that we both believe in the magic of a new season as the opportunity for growth, change, and togetherness. Being away from home on these special dates is difficult, I will not deny it. However, it is also true that this opportunity as international students opens many doors for us because we can get to know new traditions, places, and people that will undoubtedly mark a before and after in our lives. Do not be afraid of change, and always leave your comfort zone. I assure you that the results will impress you!
