Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE -- While many people spent Sunday afternoon shopping in preparation for Christmas, the members of the Upper Peninsula League of Finnish American Societies celebrated Pikkujoulu.

Pikkujoulu means "Little Christmas" and to celebrate it, a traditional gathering is held.

The society also honored another holiday on Sunday, the 91st anniversary of Finland's independence, which occurred on December 6.

"It's going very well," says President Ronald Hill.  "We were sort of concerned because of the bad weather we had as to whether or not people would be coming out, but they're showing up in good numbers."

"I just finished some delicious pea soup and it was so good," commented Vice President Pauline Kiltinen.

The Upper Peninsula Finnish American Society currently has 120 members, and organizers say they're always looking for new people who would like to share their Finnish heritage.