The daylight is getting shorter and the first snow already felt: December is coming soon and with it Christmas. For me, personally, this is one of the most beautiful times in the year. There is a white blanket everywhere; it is chilly but not too cold yet; there is quietness typical of the winter; and soon there will be candles by the windows. Please note that, although this is a very interesting tradition, you might not want to burn your flat. So be careful when and where you light your candles.
The Christmas spirit does not come only from the decorations in the shops but there are many events around Helsinki that prepare you for this celebration. In my opinion, some of the best are: the Suomenlinna Christmas Event, in the beginning of December; the Ladies’ Christmas Market, also in the first weekend of December; St. Lucia’s Day; and the many Christmas concerts. If some of you are interested in visiting the Suomenlinna and do some Christmas shopping I suggest you go directly to the workshops, which are open only for this event. You might find a good bargain. For a complete list of events browse the Helsinki This Week online at:
http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi/helsinkithisweek_eng/
More brochures and information can be found from the Tourist Office by the Market Square or at:
http://www.hel2.fi/tourism/en/matko.asp
I suggest you to add these two websites to your favourites’ list as you might want to use them to know what happens in our city.
There are many other events so you don’t have to stay home watching TV or studying all the time 
But the one event you must remember above all is our Christmas Party on the 5th of December from 19:00. No excuses as the 6th is a holiday, the Independence Day. See you all there!