A Finnish Midsummer for my Indian family - food, celebrations and endless sunshine PART 1

Midsummer, or Juhannus in Finnish, is one of the most important festivals in Finland celebrating the season of summer and sunlight. We celebrate it during the longest days of the year in the Nordic countries, near summer solstice in late June, which is why we also call it the nightless night in Finland as the sun never goes down. It is a big celebration, but most of us Finns prefer to spend the festival weekend in a more quiet and private style with our families and friends, relaxing and enjoying the summer and sun outdoors.
Ever since starting up our family in India, it has been my dream to take my husband Vinod and our daughter Annika to celebrate the midsummer and experience the summer in Finland. So this year, we specifically planned our trip to Finland to do just that and we had the most amazing three days of fun filled activities with family, lots of food and endless banter. Here is the first part of the Finnish Midsummer vlog series, hope you enjoy it with us! :)
#india #finland #familyvlog
*SUPPORT*
Love the videos I create? You can support this channel by,
BECOMING A PATRON: / johannanorth
BUYING ME A COFFEE ☕: www.buymeacoff...
MY FILMING GEAR: amzn.in/bVZmJc3
MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: www.amazon.in/...
WHERE I GET MY MUSIC: share.epidemic...
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you click through my links and decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
› ABOUT ME
My name is Johanna North. I’m a Finnish woman travelling in India since 2016. In 2019 I married my Indian husband and we moved to the state of Kerala in southern India. In 2021 we welcomed our baby girl into this world. On this channel I share videos on blending our Finnish-Indian family life, culture, food and travel mostly in India, and sometimes in Finland too. In 2024 we moved to the big city life of Mumbai...
› FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR DAILY LIFE AND ADVENTURES IN INDIA:
/ johannanorth_

[@clarismontegue268]

Even the dogs in Finland are so gentle and obedient 😂😂😂😂 and quiet

[@Alfablue227]

Johanna what a wonderful video of a Summer Midnight's Festival ! The beauty of nature, family, good food, and tolerable weather is heaven on earth as long as we have beautiful Annika in it, and she is bless her heart!! She is blossoming and so are you Johanna, you look so very happy... you truly belong at home in Finland! Nina found herself quite a looker for a partner, and she looks lovely just as your mom and Raimo...goodness, he was hyped up excited, bless him!!🎉😂. I hope more Finland tales come our way, and as always, much much love going your way all the way frm ☀️ Portugal.

[@SagaramM]

Beautiful as always ❤

[@ravishahade8144]

Thank you giving good old days Vibes❤…..when people use to spend more time with each other than with smartphones…

[@vinitanand6681]

Oh Johanna i love watching everything you post. You both are meant for each other. Annika's so cute and smart, learning all three languages. Lots of love form California.

[@kpdas125]

My native place Kottarakkara, Kollam district, Kerala. Helsinki , there is ISKCON centar, that means , Hare Krishna centar, means Hindu temple centar, Finnish devotees managed and practice them self. When Sunday please visit, you get Indian food, Indian music, Indian God, and Indian lecture based Hindu scriptures. Definitely your family like, but location and time by search get it. Hare Krishna.

[@balendrasingh2696]

Finland looks like some place from a fairytale..

[@jesmanju]

Love the fellowship, food and games in this videoclip. The drone effect is the icing on the cake!

[@GoodVibeClipz]

The truth is we are not gonna come here again. So thinking and worrying all the time about the future is a foolish thing. Every second gone is gone forever, So enjoy these beautiful moments. These moments only happens once. My father passed last January due ti cancer. I hadn't thought deeply about life and death, but now i understand we have to live and enjoy these moments.

[@travellingyoginikas]

Oh goodness I'm so sorry to hear about your father. If it's any consolation, my mother passed from cancer 11 months ago and it was totally horrific. I so agree with you about life and enjoying the moments as I too have experienced cancer in the family Take care ❤

[@mariposa2108]

Liebe Johanna, Dankeschön für dieses wundervolle Video aus Deinem Ursprungsland 👍🏻🤗🙏🏻 Ich finde Finnland so schön und vor allen Dingen die schönen, gemütlichen Häuser 🏡 mit den diversen Blumentöpfen auf den Fensterbänken, einfach idyllisch. Die Gärten die mich z. T. an Bauerngärten erinnern, sind für mich wie eine Oase der Ruhe. Annika macht den Eindruck, als wenn sie sich dort auch sehr wohlfühlt 😊 Habt noch eine schöne mit der Familie dort ❣️ Ganz lieben Gruß aus Deutschland Susanne 🦋

[@JohannaNorth]

Danke sehr für der schön Kommentar. Ich glaube es ist ganz ähnlich draussen in Deutschland auch, ja? Ich mag die Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz Region sehr, wie viele Finnische magen die 😊

[@Shyjucham]

I left Finland june end and the weather was awesome during that time .....i think by october end winter will start there .....

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

Thank you Johanna and family 🫂🌻☕️so lovely in Finland 🇫🇮 ♥️☕️♥️

[@carolgoergens9275]

That house is incredible that porch with the red geraniums in the pots is perfectly set

[@vasanthajennings8653]

Great longest day video. Lovely summer flowers and great family gathering! What good life in Finland. You all look so vibrant and happy! We in UK already had our longest day' and it's Autumn here. The cake looks so yummy. This is the best and safest place to bring Annika up! Good idea moving back to Finland. I hope all three of you will love and live together happily. God bless.

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the video! :) To be accurate, we haven't moved to Finland for the long-term though, Vinod is in Mumbai after his holiday and Annika and I are living here temporarily so I can apply to school.

[@NayanaPatel-zl5yg]

Beautiful vlog 😍🤗🙏

[@blairswanson44]

I'm late to the party this time but so enjoyed the relaxing time you videoed Johanna. Thanks so much for more of Annika & your family events. Sending best wishes for a memorable summer & a big hug & kiss for my little darling.💋❤

[@mujdeoncu10]

I think Johanna you must have a house in India to spend winters because winters are very harsh in Finland. Finland is an excellent country for summers. 6 months are in Finland. I think summers are short there. 6 months are India. At least when Vinod is retired, this lifstyle may be possible. I am a spring person. I don’t like heat, humidity, sweating in summers. I was going to spend 2 weeks in Finland this summer, but I had to cancel it because of my flight cancellation. In winter I prefer going to hot countries.

[@nutcracker5094]

Wonderful to be a part of your family in the world's happiest country ✌🏼

[@alisonchristodoulou825]

A beautiful video, Johannah. It's lovely to see you all so hapoy and enjoying life in Finland.🎉🌸💐🏵🌹

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you 😊

[@redbaron007-e5p]

Raimo rocks! He looked quite serious in previous vids but mid-summer fest has turned him into a party animal 🧑‍🍳🎉

[@JohannaNorth]

Raimo is the best party host and totally in his element cooking feasts and giving speeches 😊

[@nesamalarkandiah9348]

​@JohannaNorth ...that's so enchanting. The cozy homy atmosphere amidst the green, green grass ❤🎉💚

[@rashmiraj8423]

O my my Finland is so beautiful 😊

[@bishnupriyamandal9547]

Everything looks like just out of a storybook

[@suparauta8026]

Voi miten ihania muistoja itelläkin juhannuksesta. Kiva palata muistoihin näin syyskuussa. 🥰 Kaipaan silti jo viileää ja pimeää. Hassu juttu. Kaikissa vuodenajoissa on puolensa. ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Vuodenaikojen vaihtelevuus on kyllä sellainen asia, mitä kaipaan Intiassa! Erityisesti kun me ollaan asuttu vain sellaisilla alueilla, missä ei edes sadekaudella oikeastaan viilene kelit kovin paljoa, niin keho ei saa tarvitsemaansa vaihtelua! :)

[@sree8159]

Such warm relaxing summer days😊

[@sumitamukherjee3447]

Beautiful scenery of Finland in summer, all you are enjoying your daily life now, Annika is so happy, enjoying the beauty of nature, we are also feeling refreshed after seeing this beautiful view of nature, love for sweet sweet Annika and your family ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Great to hear that! Have a happy Sunday 😊

[@zazaje25]

Beautiful family ❤❤

[@karimabaha4978]

Toujours aussi contente de découvrir vos vidéos le matin. Des moments tranquilles, zens. Je devrais m'en inspirer, et profiter de la tranquillité quand elle est là

[@JohannaNorth]

Merci! Je te souhaite un bon et tranquil dimanche! 😊

[@Keepinitreel108]

Looks like a bit of heaven on the earth 🌎

[@vaishalibhargava9265]

Your dressing sense change entirely when you are in finland looking smart 😊

[@JohannaNorth]

It’s almost never unbearably hot and humid in Finland so it feels much more comfortable to wear clothes in general. So just to feel like that wearing clothes is an inspiration to dress as per my own sense of style 😊

[@deepajacob3219]

Beautiful Finland. Happy to watch your way of life there. I wonder how u adjust within India. Of course you are lucky to get a loving Indian family.

[@JohannaNorth]

Well I think it's a life long process of adjusting and learning, since we keep moving around India which is so diverse. But I think no matter where one lives, having a good family and home life is a solid foundation and a safe haven, which makes the rest of it much easier to manage. :)

[@vanessanair6645]

Finland is so beautiful. I live in London and I must visit this beautiful country one day. Annika is having so much fun and you're looking lovely 🌹. Beautiful family atmosphere

[@anne6336]

Ein Paradies für Annika! Einfach wunderschön! 😍👍

[@infynvn]

Anika's bond with her aunt is really good , she enjoys every movement with her aunt :)

[@gaurisingh3985]

This was like therapy ❤❤❤

[@lachminsarjue6248]

That’s a lovely celebration,the colours are stunning,thanks for sharing this beautiful family time,

[@nothingB4Utube]

❤❤❤❤

[@ingerayner1358]

This beautiful film about midsummer made me so homesick for my own country, your neighbour Sweden. Midsummer is such a wonderful time of the year in our countries. I love your videos and as I also live abroad they help me a lot. ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

So happy to hear that! Hope you get to join the Swedish midsummer festivities soon too :)

[@Lee-e]

Your videos are becoming like poetries 😍 You always put effort into making everything joyful around people. You are a great person.

[@sajnathomas9221]

So beautiful...I loved watching this video. It felt so peaceful and good. Thank you so much.

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy to hear you enjoyed! All the best for the new week :)

[@neeragupta6033]

Johana you have gained little weight,but you are looking very beautiful and fresh in this hairstyle, we have heard about that the sun doesn't set in some parts of the world, I am able to understand after seeing your video. Thank you for sharing such a informative video and your parent's house is paradise on this earth. Enjoy your trip and keep sending beautiful videos. God bless you all. Nice to see whole family members enjoying together ❤

[@JohannaNorth]

Maybe I look a little puffy after having tons of health issues this year and not being able to be as active as I usually am. But I actually haven’t gained any weight 😊 the midnight sun is really beautiful and I love the endless summer sunlight, but then the downside is that in Nov-Dec we have barely any sunlight 😅

[@neeragupta6033]

@@JohannaNorth pls share about Nov and Dec too. We will love to watch that time. What ever the reason may be but you are looking very beautiful. God bless you ❤️

[@RubyColin2]

I love your beautiful videos so much, thank you Johanna 🙏🏻

[@guthulapadma2116]

My Indian little cute 🥰 girl in Finland exited how she liked his nanies house 🏠,house so beautiful and lovely plant's flowers 🌹nice family...saouna last trip I saw the vedio.

[@JohannaNorth]

We did sauna again in the late evening, after the end of this video :)

[@guthulapadma2116]

@@JohannaNorth ok

[@nimishasrivastava3891]

Simply beautiful ❤️❤️❤️ Spending time with family and lazy summer afternoon ❤❤ simply wow

[@JohannaNorth]

It might look like just an afternoon as per the sunlight but the video is actually pretty much from morning til evening 😅

[@YOUTUBE_AMERICA]

Finally a calm life

[@nogag8219]

i swear your videos are pure art.

[@bandariyah8652]

What a lovely gathering, really enjoying these vlogs

[@shahirabdulsalam]

Not sure who the guy in the blue shirt is, but he clearly loves cooking! It's awesome to watch!🌱🌅

[@shahirabdulsalam]

Oh its Raimo ✨

[@JohannaNorth]

Yes Raimo is in his element hosting parties with good food and big speeches 😊

[@shanukb6288]

You look so happy❤ God bless you dear❤

[@indranidasgupta8982]

So tranquil and peaceful... this particular video reminds me of Wild Strawberries - Ingmar Bergman's classic. You have a lyrical touch in your filming, Johanna... but I think I've already said that.

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you, that is so lovely to hear 😊 have a happy sunday!

[@karunasuresh4158]

Thank you, enjoyed watching summer in Finland. ❤

[@Diligent-dp7gi]

What a Sweet family Video : ) Your simple cotton dress is very Pretty : ) Anika is a lovely little girl : ) # HAPPY Grandma : )

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you, the dress is actually from India! 😊

[@anneeddrief6055]

Namaste , Just watching your video I am feeling so good and relax ❤🙏Annika is so cute and your family too !!

[@Praveen1991917]

After watching this video, a perfectly Finnish village definitely deserves a perfectly Finnish family. I am not a big fan of quiet environments and surroundings, but I don't mind for a few days being in an environment like this, especially when you want to rejuvenate yourself from daily office life.

[@travellingyoginikas]

Oh wow Praveen you are the opposite to me 😊 i only like quiet environments whilst im in India lol. I'm a foreigner here. And my gosh there are alot of quiet places in India. Loads infact 👍 Alle ay from the hustle and bustle of the city life

[@travellingyoginikas]

*all away

[@infynvn]

The only problem is the Indian government doesn't allow us to build a beautiful house inside of the forest or any natural place, I am an introvert I don't like crowds and the population of India is....lol I can't

[@JohannaNorth]

I read a column some time ago written by a Finn who was hosting a couple from New York at his summer cabin in the middle of the forests and lakes... The couple left after just one day I think, they felt very unsafe in all that silence and nature and wanted noise and crowds around them. Whereas for Finns it works the other way around. Most of us would feel unsafe in big crowds, and comfortable in our own solitude and silence :)

[@Praveen1991917]

@@JohannaNorth , absolutely! People don't realize how uncomfortable, boring and dull it feels the silence is, especially when you are a city boy or city girl who got used to hustling and bustling all the time. I remember for a long time I was in Hyderabad and suddenly, I came back to a big town after my studies completed. In fact, it's a district so it's not as if it is completely a village. The city has some crowds, but the sheer hustle and bustle of Hyderabad was nowhere near that small size city called Kurnool. I think you might have heard about this Kurnool city while you were in Vizag.

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

Hi just relaxing watching you guys 🌻🫂🌻

[@JohannaNorth]

Great to hear that Helen! Have a happy Sunday 😊

[@RiteshYadav-mj1hl]

So peaceful and relaxing that's why Finland 🇫🇮 is worlds happiest country ❤...

[@JohannaNorth]

I definitely do think that the huge spaces of nature everywhere and the peace and quiet contribute to that 😊

[@RiteshYadav-mj1hl]

@@JohannaNorth Johanna, you have already explored Kerala and Himachal Pradesh in india which is surrounded by nature like Finland , next time when you vinod and anikka come to india you must visit Jammu Kashmir and meghalaya. please 🙏....

[@rocky4219771]

why you married indian guy.. if you love to be in finland

[@RiteshYadav-mj1hl]

@@rocky4219771 you get lost from here don't make hate comment...

[@chetnasingh7747]

​@@rocky4219771love is beyond boundaries 😂

[@rosythomas3267]

Have a wonderful celebration.

[@krisratheesh]

Love you All. Raimo is such a nice guy🥰

[@aratinair1678]

What a beautiful house and such a lovely family time!! ❤

[@NeelamYadav-dr1jr]

Such a beautiful country!

[@MARISOLSHARMA]

Hello Everyone’s ❤………….Wonderful and So Beautiful Johanna Family❤ ……….Johanna family Enjoyed picnic very nice ….Annika enjoy play toys with Aunt very sweet 🙏🏻👌🏻💖

[@helenanayar5232]

A wonderful experience. Didn't notice the time pass by. Loved it ❤ Love from Zambia, originally from Kerala...

[@JohannaNorth]

If it seems like the time stops, then it’s a successful midsummer festival! 😊

[@Sanjeevkumar-xo3no]

Vinod looks very dashing😊😊

[@desireedias8395]

I'm happy you are in Finland...I know how it feels to be away

[@sunlight8322]

So nice thank you Johanna 🙏and this wonderful music🥰

[@JohannaNorth]

Glad you like it! :)

[@vijaybharti5232]

It's like short movie vry nyc vlog❤

[@subarnakarmakar1429]

Aww... Such a cute vlog ❣️🧿

[@sikha601]

Beautiful summer but as a dog lover noticed that cute dog being tied up the whole time.. why was he not untied.. he too wanted to run around

[@gaurav99ize]

ENJOYED THE VLOG💯👌👌

[@neeshanawalker3886]

Enjoyed the video. Have a wonderful stay in Finland 😊

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you! 🙏😊

[@sabitakaipeng856]

Im very happy to c new video

[@brandapinto5738]

Lovely celebrations and family time

[@Prasanth-n7g]

What a beautiful video, ❤unbelievable. You have some serious photography / videography skills Johanna.

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much :)

[@princeprince164]

Beautiful place, beautiful people💌

[@GuruSandirasegaram]

I am in Sri Lanka Today I am visiting my birth place

[@shakship3103]

The sun never sets OMG as an Indian I will go mad😅😅

[@JohannaNorth]

Haha lol, the midnight sun is really beautiful and a sleep mask and blackout curtains always help even the worst sleepers 😊

[@shakship3103]

That's wonderful ❤​@@JohannaNorth

[@nandini6716]

Loved it. God bless you all❤

[@krishnak5855]

Mid summer beautifully captured and narrated. Totally new world where Annika has unknowingly adapted. Wondering how humans sleep "at night" with the sun ☀ blazing out all night. 😶🤔😲

[@JohannaNorth]

Well Vinod likes to use a sleep mask, which he actually wears in India too. And then, light blocking curtains are always a good help too :) But I think we Finns are also accustomed to this being our natural environment. I can fall asleep regardless the amount of light or use of curtains.

[@carolgoergens9275]

Does Vinod ever feel left out when everyone is speaking Finnish ? Funny how everyone is in the sun hot parts of the world we dodge the sun ! It’s so nice to see everyone enjoying life in the backyard. In india do you miss the part of not having a garden or backyard area ?

[@JohannaNorth]

I don't think he feels left out much, my mom, sister and her partner all speak English and have full conversations with Vinod or constantly translate if they're saying something in Finnish too. And if there are rarer situations where a bigger conversation is mostly in Finnish, I keep translating to him. I tend to feel more left out in Hindi conversations in India, because many people don't realise to simplify, slow down or translate their Hindi for me. Yes, having our own garden in India would be a MAJOR factor in improving our daily life there! Maybe one day :)

[@carolgoergens9275]

@@JohannaNorth thanks for the reply Schorr you do a fantastic job of including Vinod in conversation as I’m sure he did when you got to India! Enjoy your vacation I’m obsessed with India so I can’t wait to see your India videos again

[@travellingyoginikas]

Oh Johanna what a BEAUTIFUL family video. I am so EXCITED about lil Annika's life. Re most of her life she has lived in India and now she's living for 6 months in Finland. It's ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I cannot express how wonderful her exposures to different cultures are. And it's lovely to see u all enjoy outdoor life on those long sunlight days dear. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ I have a question...... Do you prefer to do KZbin for monetisation (as a job) or as a major creative project? I'm interested in your answer as youtube is a place that only began its existence in millennium times so it's still brand new really. And also I'm a fellow travel youtuber so yes just curious. Hope you don't mind me asking. It's just that u are so good at it and take your time to ensure the videos are SUPERB. Ps I'm in Goa at the moment. South Goa, and LOVING it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JohannaNorth]

At this point it's pretty much a creative passion project, documenting our adventures, memories and Annika's growth and something that I don't want to completely throw away either after putting so much time and effort into building and growing my channel and this community... and I take my sweet time with editing because I'm not getting time and energy anymore to work on it at a quicker pace. :'D But that said, even if I had more free time and energy in my hands, I don't think I would put into treating this as a job anymore, because I'd rather get a degree and work in different types of media projects.

[@travellingyoginikas]

@@JohannaNorth ah yes I understand. The reason I ask is because I too am a vlogger. Not a family vlogger but a travel vlogger. Re solo foreign female traveler in India. And I have never been monetized. So for me it's always been a creative project. When I was a very poor backpacker I would hustle through the channel. Re I asked viewers would buy me a coffee. But that was not a sustainable way to live. So iv always had to have other businesses. And still, I need to set up yet another business, and do the market research for that. And yes KZbin feels like a full time job but my reality is that it's a creative project. It feels like I do several full time jobs side by side but that's my choice as I'm never going to give up on KZbin. Re I will never expect the channel to be monetized but theres far more to a channel than making money from it as u well know. KZbin is my life. It gives me so much positivity. And just to be thought provoking...... If I was monetized then I would have to manage trolls and also there's capitalist brands who would want to make money from it, as I make my money. Trolls and capitalism are the darker sides of monetisation. But no one I know understands why I do youtube if it's not for making money. See what I mean about youtube being a new concept and theres limited understanding around it. Sorry for this long comment Johanna. Anyways u keep doing what u love my darling. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@-RishitaBiswas]

The naked rolling took me out 😂😂😂

[@Reacher797]

Love from india 🇮🇳

[@purnimaakash9331]

These Fin vlogs are equally enjoying You can add auto english translation subtitles in your videos so we can understand more.Anyways keep your vlogs coming, really felt happy to see two videos in this week

[@JohannaNorth]

Happy to hear you enjoy them! I do add subtitles when I think it's needed, but in most cases translating the Finnish conversations doesn't really add much value into the videos :)

[@purnimaakash9331]

Agreed but I m waiting to see Annika speak fluent finnish😊

[@anantgawai440]

So nice vlogs cute baby Annika

[@ayubmarcus5566]

God bless you all

[@alpanapaul8210]

Glad your sister has found a partner.

[@maryantony6304]

Beutiful day 😘😘

[@praveenbabu8470]

Your videos are really very special and beautiful madam like Anika and your mom❤❤❤

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

Hi Johanna Vinod and Finland 🇫🇮 what are we up today sunshine 🫂🌻🫂

[@Shreedhi_]

Vau Suomi on kaunis

[@murali5247]

Best wishes

[@raghavareddy7026]

Nice 👌👌👌👌👌

[@anand-menon]

The next thing is to encourage Vinod and Annika on some basic Suomi

[@JohannaNorth]

Annika speaks fluent Finnish (as per her age) and Vinod is learning basics 😊

[@SoulSips]

❤

[@emmaandoy6898]

❤❤❤❤❤ nice….

[@pratikpaul6213]

I am just dreaming if someday, I can be in Finland

[@JohannaNorth]

Hopefully you get to visit someday!

[@Helen78SouthAfrica]

Love watching so beautiful 🫂♥️🫂♥️🥰

[@virginiaharvey]

Good

[@keriddunk1520]

I like how you guys roll the Rs … rrraimo 😅

[@ioannavoudouri308]

❤❤️👍❤️😘🥰❤️

[@GuruSandirasegaram]

We are family . Isn’t it ? Do not forget Finland 🇫🇮 mustard