by Jennifer Ciotta
It is only in Lapland that one can find the "true" winter experience, especially in regards to the Christmas season. Lapland, is the northern most area of Europe (around the Arctic Circle), consisting of the countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Lapland's claim to fame is the home and workshop of Santa Claus, who supposedly is from Korvatunturi, which translates into English as "Ear Fell." Thus arose the legend of Saint Nick's ability to hear everything children do and say, giving parents another reason to discipline their little ones around the holiday season. Rovaniemi, the administrative capital of Lapland, boasts the workshop and residence of Santa, which attracts international visitors, especially during the winter months. Rovaniemi stems from a violent past which includes the Lapland War--of World War II--where the German army destroyed almost all of the town, consequently, creating an overwhelming refugee situation. However, Rovaniemi has sprung forward, something like a modern day New Orleans, by building an atmosphere of pure joy, since little visitors scamper about Santa's workshop in hopes of seeing the Big Man for themselves.
On the way to Lapland, on a flight from Helsinki, adult passengers can enjoy a glass of Christmas wine as they pass over the Arctic Circle, a Finnish tradition. Once in Lapland, there is nothing more special than viewing the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, or as the Finns say, Revontulet. The stunning hues of red, green and purple fill the night sky, even a distant, quiet roar can be heard from the swirl of the lights. The whole panoramic light show only lasts around 10 minutes, therefore it really is a "once in a lifetime" experience. In Lapland, known for its adventurous spirit, a visitor can discover any type of exciting winter activity. For instance, driving a husky dog sled is popular, since the dogs whirl drivers and passengers around trees in the thick Finnish forest. However, guests should not expect to sign a waiver or have a start-up lesson, such as in the safety-obsessed United States. Instead, the leader simply demonstrates how to step on the brake, and leads the dogs while riding in a snowmobile. Cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and simply hiking serves as fun cold weather pastimes. Along the way, it is not uncommon to spot a herd of reindeer running through the snow. Or for a more controlled experience, guests can visit a reindeer farm to feed the bucked creatures. Fresh reindeer meat is an exceptional delicacy that the Sami, the indigenous people of Lapland, eat year round. Also, many people rent snowmobiles, an enjoyable activity, yet recklessness with these vehicles have caused many deaths in winter areas.
Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of Lapland tends to be the chilly winter temperatures and the constant nighttime. Thus it is best to prepare for temperatures 40 degrees below 0. Many hotels rent out insulated snowsuits for adults and children. In the winter the sun only rises above the horizon for a few hours a day--making the daytime look like a never-ending blue dusk, which seems to be a foreign concept to Lapland outsiders.
