[Video transcript]
It’s minus 15 Celsius in Latvia. Arturs Aukons says conditions are ideal. He’s getting ready to swim.
(Arturs Aukons)
"In the cold water you just have to watch out that you don’t get cut by the sharp pieces of ice."
His wife Margarita won’t join him. She’s much happier inside with their son Marks. He’ll also be staying dry this Christmas.
Arturs says he swims here whenever he can — ice or no ice.
(Arturs Aukons)
"Between one and three minutes is enough to get the health benefits."
Latvia has a long tradition of swimming in icy waters for those health benefits. Many here tie that tradition to the church — and Orthodox rituals later in January around the epiphany, which can often involve baptism-style plunges into water.
Most of the Orthodox Christians in Latvia have Russian roots, but Arturs is Latvian. He converted from Protestantism a decade ago.
(Arturs Aukons)
"I felt more drawn to it. Even physically. I had gone through a difficult time in my life and had to make certain decisions. And I felt the Orthodox church was much closer to me, I felt it supported me."
The family live in the capital Riga — this is their holiday home an hour out of town. As Marks’s school is on a break, they can spend the Orthodox Christmas here, as a family
(Arturs Aukons)
"Christmas on December 24 and 25 is more of a merry time."
(Margarita Aukone)
"That’s a party. Orthodox Christmas is for us much more religious. We prefer to celebrate this in a more peaceful atmosphere."
For her that’s a crackling fire — for him, a freezing dip outside.