5 + 1 things that Nature can teach us about spending Christmas

Finnish nature is a wonderful place to quiet down at any time. It is always near, and here in Finland, it is still possible to find a spot of absolute stillness, where no traffic or other human-made noise can be heard—just the sounds and smells of the forest, rivers, or the sea.

During the Christmas season, we often get stressed. We are in such a hurry to create the perfect setting, perfect food, and perfect gifts for our loved ones. Nature, on the other hand, is as calm as ever, even in the high season. Maybe there is something we could learn from nature about how to spend Christmas without the hurry and the buzz.

1. Peace

Nature does not ask questions, complain, or insist. It isn’t impatient or anxious.

In midwinter, nature is truly still and at peace.

Go for a walk—only your footsteps can be heard. You can feel the energy of the sleeping earth under your feet. But to experience it, you must remember to stop and be absolutely quiet.

2. Unselfish Generosity

Above the silent ground, the Moon and the Sun ride across the sky day and night. They light our paths at all times and, without asking, paint the sky blue, purple, and red—creating mixes so beautiful even the most skillful painters would be jealous. All that we humans can do is enjoy the view and sigh, “Oh, how beautiful!”

3. Living in the Moment

At Christmastime, the northern part of Finland is covered with a thick layer of snow. In the south, the ground may appear bare but is covered with fallen leaves. Under nature’s own winter blanket, the earth is resting and gaining its strength. In the spring, nature will blossom again in its full glory, but for now, it is dim, silent, and mysterious. Nature is not impatient; it is content with this very moment.

4. Gratitude

Underground, many animals are sleeping at Christmastime: bears, badgers, and maybe even the Moomins. Above ground, however, life is a struggle. Birds are doing all they can to find something to eat, as are moose and hares. Reindeer dig through the snow to find lichen beneath. Animals don’t waste time wishing for more—they are grateful for every bite.

5. License to Relax

Nature doesn’t apologize for not offering blooming flowers or gleaming waters in the winter. It doesn’t suffer from a guilty conscience if it’s not neat and tidy. Nature knows its value and takes a break when it’s needed. Maybe you shouldn’t worry about what other people might think either.

+1: Joy

After Christmas, the Sun begins to bathe the earth with its bright colors for longer and longer periods. In northernmost Finland, the Sun returns after Kaamos, the Arctic night, when it hasn’t appeared for a month or more. Before long, you’ll hear rivers and rapids roar and see plants emerge from the ground, growing taller and taller.

Christmas is a turning point for nature. Soon, the stillness of winter will end, and a new time will begin. Enjoy the rest now.