FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-002

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (January 13, 2026) – This issue of Fun with Maps reminds us all good things must come to an end – even the Christmas Season.  

DANCE AROUND THE TREE

Today is St Knut’s Day in Sweden and Finland, Tyvendedagen in Norway.  It is the official end of the Christmas season.

Tradition calls for stripping the Christmas tree of its ornaments, putting the holiday decorations away, and dancing around the tree before throwing it out of the house.  Since many traditional decorations consist of edibles like candy and cookies, undecorating the tree can turn into quite a yummy time.

In Finland there is a tradition similar to trick or treat where young men dress like goats, or in furry coats, going house to house to request food and drinks to persuade them to not play tricks on the household.  This gives Knut a more sinister aspect and a Grinch-like personality of stealing Christmas away.

This map by Sayer of Scandinavia is from 1787

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.