We have a tradition of celebrating Finland's 🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮 Independence day (Dec 6th) with two neighboring families. This year we met outdoors in -13°C. Celebrating our Independence day is not like celebrating the 4th of July. For obvious reasons there are no celebrations outdoors. But I remember growing up, this was a very serious holiday. Maybe people remembered wars and sorrows, losing loved ones? But now there are only a few veterans alive, and the mentality has changed a bit. But I am thankful to my forefathers fighting for our freedom when attacked by Russia several times. Finland used to be a part of Sweden for several hundreds of years until Sweden lost a war against Russia in 1808-1809 and had to give this area away. Then we became independent in 1917, when Russia was busy with the revolution. Then we had a bloody Civil War. Then we had a few wars when Russia tried to take us back.

@tanjaostman thanks for the history lesson! Interesting. Looks like a fun gathering.

@MaryMamuzich great to hear that you learned something new! Often my postings on social media turn into lessons... I can't help it, but I am a teacher. 😅