Dark November, Bright Spirit

Vol.28, Issue 07, 31 October 2025

In Finland, October feels like a quiet farewell to summer. One day the air is soft and golden, and the next, the wind begins to howl, the rain falls endlessly, and the bright leaves surrender to the ground. Within weeks, the trees stand bare, and the world turns still and grey. Outside my window, the restless wind whispers a familiar reminder — November is coming.

How many Novembers have you spent in Finland? And how do you prepare for them?

Before moving here, I often heard Finnish teachers describe November with a sigh — the darkest month of the year, when the sun seems to disappear and time slows down. Now, as I face my third Finnish November, I know exactly what they meant. It’s easy to feel tired, sleepy, and unmotivated when daylight barely lasts a few hours.

But I’ve also learned something important: November doesn’t have to be just dark. It can be peaceful, reflective, and even beautiful — if we choose to see it that way.

When the world outside turns quiet, life invites us to turn inward — to light a candle, listen to calm music, and enjoy the simple warmth of home. A few small things can make a huge difference: cozy rugs under your feet, warm soup on the stove, a soft blanket, and gentle light in the evening. It’s not about escaping the darkness — it’s about creating your own light within it.

And, of course, Finland offers countless ways to stay active and find joy, even in the coldest months. Winter isn’t just for staying inside — it’s also a perfect time to try something new.

You can learn to ski, whether it’s downhill on bright slopes or cross-country through peaceful forests. You can join Finnish friends for ice fishing on a frozen lake, where silence feels almost sacred. Or, if you’re brave enough, you can even try winter swimming — that shocking moment of icy water followed by the incredible rush of energy afterward!

These experiences remind us that Finnish winter is not something to survive — it’s something to embrace. The cold, the snow, and the darkness all carry their own beauty.

And as December slowly arrives, bringing its first snowfall and a touch of brightness, the landscape transforms. The white snow reflects the light, and suddenly everything feels new again. Streets, forests, and frozen lakes all seem to sparkle under the faint winter sun.

So this year, I want to welcome November with an open heart — to slow down when life feels heavy, to keep moving when days feel short, and to fill my space and mind with warmth and kindness.

Let’s remind ourselves that the darkest season can also be the most meaningful one. Light a candle, share a meal with friends, take a walk in the crisp air, or learn something new.

After all, the beauty of Finland’s long winter lies not only in its snow and silence — but in the bright spirit we bring into it.