Lapland and the locals way of life

Many of us dream of a holiday of a lifetime in Lapland and many of us have been lucky enough to experience the Santa experience in Lapland. When we think of Lapland we don't really give much thought to the lifestyle of the locals and their way of life, even though we may see the locals out and about in the winter months.

There is certainly not enough time to detail everything down there is to know about the locals in Lapland but we can talk a little about their day to day lives and what is important to them. The Sami people as they are known are actually a name given to the indigenous people of Lapland who have lived and worked in Lapland for many generations. Many of the Sami people still live their lives according to age old traditions and live and work deep  in the forests of Lapland.

The Sami people hold their traditions close and pass on their knowledge to the younger generation and many of them will grow up to farm Reindeer much the same as their ancestors did all those years ago. The only difference now is the equipment used and the Sami people no longer make an excellent living from the land.

Many locals live closer to the villagers and towns and many of them work within the tourism industry providing activities and lodgings for holidaymakers in the summer and winter months.

The locals are well used to the climate and welcome the summer and winter with the same enthusiasm. The winter is over 200 days long and preparations begin in early October.  Christmas is a family time with the main celebration taking place on Christmas Eve where families will traditionally be together enjoying a hearty meal and presents will be exchanged. Christmas day is spent by many locals partaking in winter sports such as skiing and cross country skiing.

The locals in Lapland hold nature, family and well being very close together and are very much at one with nature and what it can offer us. The winter is a chance to be thankful for all we have and Christmas and New Year is a family time. The summer is a release from the biting cold and a chance to explore the quiet and peaceful countryside whilst the sun sits high in the sky 24 hours a day.

The locals also love their food and will have their own signature dishes made from wild berries and mushrooms that grow wildly up on the hillside.

About the Author

Just Lapland supply cabin rental in Lapland, we also supply advice and information on holidays to Lapland. http://www.justlapland.com