While shepherds moshed: A Musical Advent Calendar: Day 8 - Joulu - Xmas in Finland

That jolly Finnish Santa, Juha, sent me a Xmas album by Rajaton last year and this year they seem to be releasing another one. I'm not complaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EDGbKX2zcc

On the topic of Xmas in Finland,the film Rare Cargo adds a rather different twist to the Santa saga. He's a savage beast that eats naughty children!

http://www.lostateminor.com/2010/12/03/rare-exports-a-finnish-movie-about-santa/

However, just look at other traditions and one realises that Xmas hasn't always been so cosy. Krampus in Austria spanked naughty kids and the monstruous troll Gryla in Iceland sent her sons,jólasveinar ("the Xmas lads") into town to find mum a tasty Xmas snack. A nice plump child!

Must do some research on our modern image of Mr Claus.I wonder how much Coca Cola had to do with its creation.