Later, sitting by the crackling fire, drinking warm glögi (spiced berry juice), Elina felt the deep peace of the night. She didn't need the toys or the candy yet; she just felt lucky to be in the warm, quiet heart of the Finnish Jouluyö.

"Look! Elina pointed. "Are those... are those tontut (elves)?"

In the heart of Finland, where the snow blankets the pine trees in a thick, white quilt, a small, red cottage nestled at the edge of a frozen lake. This was the home of seven-year-old Elina.

In Finland, the main celebration is on Christmas Eve (24th).