Happy Birthday Finland

Today is 97 years since Finland gained its independence. The 6th December is a public holiday over here. Everything is shut, but celebrations are still fairly low key. Most families stay at home to watch the President's Independence Day Party on television and join in the obligatory discussion on who was wearing what.

At 6pm Finns put a candle in the window. I have always loved this tradition. It is so simple yet so effective. Just a small, silent symbol from ordinary people that they are proud of their country.

No country is perfect of course, but there is plenty in Finland to be proud of. Today is a day when Finns all over the world remember their roots and celebrate the fact that their country is free.

Happy Birthday Finland.