5 Reasons to Celebrate Valentine’s Day The Finnish Way

As January wanes, pretty packages of chocolate, sparkling jewelry, lush flowers, and other gifts fill the shelves with pink and red hues to prepare for Valentine’s Day. But in Finland, Valentine’s day isn’t just for lovers. Ystävänpäivä, or “Friend’s Day” is the Finns’ day to cherish their relationships with friends. We’re all for this tradition of spreading the love beyond our significant others and showing our friends just how meaningful they are to us. If you’re not yet convinced to celebrate the Ystävänpäivä way, we’ve compiled a short list of what we think are pretty compelling reasons to take a cue or two from the Finnish people.

1) Real Love Letters in a World of “likes” and “comments”. 

We’ve become a culture addicted to fast interaction via our screens. Texts, e-cards, Facebook comments, Snapchats, (the list could go on and on!) serve as our main mode of communication. If you’re like us, you are probably nostalgic for the days of handwritten letters. We love that in Finland, Friend’s Day is the second-biggest season for cards sent via the postal service, they even have to employ extra workers during the holiday to ensure that every love note gets to where it’s going on time. We’ve got you covered with unique, meaningful gifts and the personal touch of a custom message. This Valentine’s, you can request a handwritten note to accompany any Touch of Finland order!  

2) Another Excuse to Go Out to Brunch. 

We’re not mad about this one at all! Who doesn’t want a reason to sip coffee and enjoy Korvapuusti (cinnamon and cardamon buns) with a friend? Taking your best mate out for brunch or dinner is another common way to celebrate Valentine’s day in Finland. Better yet, host a Valentine's brunch at home for all of your friends –– it’s a perfect reason to break out your gorgeous Iittala dinnerware! Forget syrupy candlelit dinners, bring on the mimosas and waffles!

3) Friends Need Appreciation Too. 

It’s not often enough that we let our friends know what an impact they make on our lives. We think it’s special and important that Finland has an entire day dedicated to showing appreciation and love to friends. Friends are a vital part of a happy life, even science backs up the idea that friends make us healthier. Let them know what they mean to you this February 14th!  

4) Finnish chocolate is better. 

Well, we might be biased, but nothing beats the sweet, rich quality of a Karl Fazer bar! Karl Fazer chocolate is made in Finland from carefully selected natural ingredients. They say it best, “The secret of Karl Fazer's taste lies in the rich and skillful combination of natural raw materials of the highest quality: fresh milk, sugar, cocoa mass, and cocoa butter. The recipe for Karl Fazer chocolate was the result of an act of kindness and to this day the chocolate is made according to the original recipe.” 

5) Avoid all the mooshy gushy stuff. 

 It’s no secret that us Finn’s get a little pink in the cheeks when confronted with public displays of affection, declarations of love, or really any kind of touchy feeling jargon. Ystävänpäivä gives us the perfect excuse to avoid all the romance stuff and instead just pat our friends on the back and share a laugh or two. If you’re also one of those people who feels a bit squeamish at the thought of kissing, reciting poetry, or watching a weepy love film, we suggest joining us for Friend’s day where the feels are kept under control. Check out our gift guide by clicking the image below.