Santa Claus speaks on the radio to Finns… and to whoever wants to listen!

Ahem... hmmm. This is Santa Claus speaking. Good evening to you all, young and old and everyone in between. As it is the time for Christmas soon, I thought I’d have a word with you, my dear Finns. The radio people promised me some prime time, so here I am, at the station, sitting in my swing chair and working on the broadcast with reporters and sound engineers and many, many other professionals. Such a large group of people for such a small speech... Ho-ho-ho; I think some of you have only come here out of curiosity! Good evening to you, too.


The incentive for this speech is of course my special relationship with Finland. After all, I have lived in my village in Finnish Lapland for more than one hundred years now, and it has been a good home – although a long way from all the other homes I need to visit during Christmas. My Missus sends her porridge-warm wishes and greetings from all the helpers in Santa’s Village. However, another more important reason for my speech is the messages I have received from my helpers. I hear that you Finns are stuck in a situation that requires bold moves – guts or sisu, as we say in Finnish, no less. But that you are doing nothing. What is the problem?


Santa has his sources, you know. My helpers move about all year round. They carefully observe what people do, great and small. They listen to what people say and see what people write. Even people’s thoughts and feelings are no secret to me. Mind-reading and heart-listening are compulsory subjects at Santa School from third grade, you know.


This reminds me – I don’t know how, as it seems unrelated to what I just said – of the third reason why I asked to speak on the radio. Let’s just say that I have a *vested* interest in this, ha ha. As you can hear, although I am well liked and known worldwide, my fame is not due to my jokes. And this finally brings me to my third concern.


Last year, we carried out extensive negotiations among the helpers at Santa’s Village. We ended up declaring a new target and a dream for the Santa organisation. It is to make people, regardless of religion and race, to appreciate each other and what they have. To make people take responsibility for each other and be grateful for the help they receive. A common dream for me, Santa, and my helpers is a world that is willing to share its gifts and resources voluntarily more equally, while living in peace among all people. It is equally important that we find ourselves individually and help others to find themselves and learn what we can be and become. Our inner peace is key to world peace and evolution without revolution, theoretically speaking... Ahem, yes, meaning continuous progress that is to benefit everybody.


Over the years while touring the world, Santa has seen many outcomes, and it is not always pleasant to read my helpers’ memos. I can say with certainty, and this is news to no one in this country, that Finns have countless reasons to feel grateful. This country is a great place to live. You have plenty of forests, clean water and air, and space to build homes and cities, while being able to conserve large areas for parks and reserves. Along with the other Nordic countries, Finland and Finns rank at the top of the world in terms of income, education, equality, internationality, indoor comfort and safety. It is hard to find a global well-being index that does not place Finland among the top ten countries. If we rank 7.5 billion people based on their well-being, social security network, and self-realisation and development, nearly, if not all, Finns can be found among the better half.


Yes, Station Manager, I am just checking how much time we still have? Uh-huh, so there is no limit. Good, I can go on with my ramblings and feedback. I would appreciate it if one of you young talents could go over to the parking area and give Rudolph some hay and lichen from the sack in the sleigh. Thank you very much, young lady. You are Leena, right? I should remember your name. No need to be afraid of Rudolph. Just call him by his name and stay calm. You can go together with your colleagues, no problem.

Yes, what was I saying... Do not get nervous or upset, dear Finns: Santa knows one thing that Finns do not master – well, you do, but in the wrong way. According to our brainstorm at Santa’s Village, this thing is essential for finding the reasons for the stagnation in Finland. It is not my purpose to scold but to stir. Amongst the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, I would like to kindly yet firmly guide you in the right direction. To give you a little gift, actually, of ideas in the midst of all the material.


And here it is after such a profound introduction: In my opinion Finns are self-centred in the wrong way. I am sure you are surprised by this statement. Selfishness, unlike many people think, is a great resource and aid when used in the right way. It is like fire; good for keeping warm. This is what I have learnt in the 300 years that I have spent observing people.


But too many Finns are selfish in a way that does not serve their own or anyone else’s interest. Finns are envious of other people’s success. Selfishness becomes envy if you think it is wrong for someone to succeed more than you. Despite the reasons for that success. This sort of selfishness leads to denigration, doubting the factors for success, and making success a thing to hide or even avoid. “They’ll never make it” is a typical comment, or a silent wish, in Finland.


Instead, we must learn to honour victory and success. It is important for learning that those who succeed or win or get lucky share their results. Sharing can be done by paying taxes, helping others and donating resources – usually in forms other than money – to benefit fellow citizens. Giving is receiving. Constructive selfishness looks for new, purposeful ways to give and share profits and successes. A constructively selfish person wants to win and succeed together with others – as a team, as a nation, as a... Well, enough with the drama. After all, I am speaking to Finns.


This was not all I wanted to say. Forgive me, I am just getting started. Meanwhile, please, can I have some more of your delicious glogg with raisins and almonds? Aahhh... sweet and steaming… thank you. Let’s continue – this’ll be over soon.


Finnish selfishness takes another form that I think is wrong. Many Finns think, or pretend to think, that well-being, good fortune and success must come to them without effort, or sisu. As if it were other Finns’ obligation to provide them with well-being because they happened to be born in this country. If I tried to draw a picture of this kind of selfishness, it would show a group of people trying to climb on each other’s shoulders to be carried. Who has their feet on the ground in this situation? Who holds the reins and pulls the sleigh, by which I mean society? The ground may be slippery or covered in deep snow, but the sleigh must go on.


It is your responsibility, dear Finn. It is your and every other Finn’s duty to keep your feet on the ground and reins in hand to pull our country forward. Every once in a while, anyone can get tired, and we must care for those who need a rest and those who are not able to pull. We must reserve them a place in the sleigh. Finns only need to pull a bit harder to succeed, each according to their own strengths and resources. Even the best of us can pull a bit harder; this is something I have learnt on my travels around the globe. Just pull – pull selfishly and pull together. Enjoy the effort and the results – your own as well as those earned together!


This is what I wanted to say. A small gift from Santa, but a well-timed one. Thank you, dear radio listeners, for staying tuned despite the length of my message. Alas, now Santa must go. Christmas is nigh, and Santa has his own sleigh to pull. I wish all listeners and the Finnish people a Very Merry Christmas and a Super Selfish New Year!