Guests enjoyed a full homemade Estonian Christmas meal featuring verivorstid (blood sausages), hapukapsad (sauerkraut), traditional sides, and ham. The lunch offered a heartfelt taste of home for many in attendance. Dessert and coffee rounded out the menu, supported by generous contributions of home-baked cakes for the festive sweet table.
In addition to the culinary highlights, the afternoon included several hallmark elements of the Jõululaud tradition. Steaming glühwein added to the cozy atmosphere, while the Bazaar and its prizes drew interest throughout the event.
The children’s highlight arrived with the sound of sleigh bells. As rumoured, Santa made a special appearance, greeting the youngest attendees and adding a joyful note to an already spirited afternoon.
A distinctive feature of this year’s program was a hands-on cultural activity: a participation table for the Estonian Year of the Book Picture Tapestry (Piltvaip). Community members of all ages paused to embroider a few crosses, adding Montreal’s contribution to a large-scale global tapestry linking Estonians around the world through shared craft and symbolism.
The children’s highlight arrived with the sound of sleigh bells. As rumoured, Santa made a special appearance, greeting the youngest attendees and adding a joyful note to an already spirited afternoon.
The event benefited from a dedicated team of volunteers who set up the space, worked in the kitchen, and supported logistics throughout the celebration. Their collective effort ensured smooth service, warm food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
This year’s Jõululaud underscored the enduring vitality of the Montreal Estonian community. With nearly 80 people sharing a traditional meal, reconnecting with friends, welcoming new faces, and taking part in a cultural project that extends far beyond Montreal, the event reflected both continuity and renewal.
The Montreal Estonian Society extends its thanks to all participants, volunteers, bakers, donors, and families who helped create a memorable and meaningful celebration.
