With Christmas drawing closer, Jussi Jokinen took a moment from hockey (and holiday shopping) to offer up his favourite things about the big day.

The veteran forward and alternate captain of the Florida Panthers shares a special Finnish drink and who’s coming to town – other than Santa – on Christmas Eve.

Jussi Jokinen's Top 5 Favourite Holiday Traditions

1. Special visit:

“Santa is coming to our house on Christmas Eve and I can’t wait to see the faces of my kids.”

2. All in the family:

“Christmas gives the chance to spend three whole days with the family.”

3. From Finland to Florida:

“We always have either mine or my wife’s family visiting from Finland during Christmas. It’s great to be able to see and spend time with them during the season.”

4. Raise a glass:

“You get to drink Glögg, a traditional Finnish Christmas drink.”

5. Gift time:

“I get to open my presents from Santa :)”

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Christmas cheer, Finnish style!

Glögg is traditionally made by heating up sweetened red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, Seville orange peel, lemon peel, ginger, etc. Part of the wine may be replaced with blackcurrant or red grape juice, and a dash of stronger spirit, like vodka, punsch, brandy, calvados or gin may be added to it.

Glögg is served from tea glasses or mugs, mixed with a few blanched almonds and raisins.