Although religion is not a meaningful element of Finns' daily life, Christmas is a very important celebration in Finland. Already weeks earlier, as if to fight the winter's darkness and loneliness, Christmas lights are set to decorate homes, Christmas drinks and pastries are prepared, Christmas concerts are ceremonially attended. Caricatural of Finns' character, the keywords associated with the end of the year are peace and rest, and many enjoy a one or two week-vacation.

Maaninkavaara is a small village on the Arctic Circle, in Finnish Lapland. There live 80 to 100 people, the next city (5000) is about 30 miles (45 km) away. On Christmas Eve, the villagers lit candles to remember the dead: reflected by the snow, the tiny flames illuminate the cemetery, bringing light and warmth to an otherwise cold night.