IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Colmar, France

Colmar, France

Zurich

The Christmas season is in full swing here and I am really enjoying the first white Christmas (coming from Atlanta) we've had in a while!  We've kicked off our "holiday preparation" in full gear with a walk through our winter wonderland of a city.   We stopped to hear some music at the "singing Christmas tree" in downtown Zurich, enjoyed some hot glüewine (mulled wine), and checked out our first European Christmas Markets (which are all the rage here, but have left us a little bit confounded on just what is so wonderful about them-picture freezing temps, TONS of people through which to maneuver a stroller and hang on to two other kids, and lots of "knick-knacky" trinkets.  Chris and I have decided that it's the tradition that everyone grows up with here, so it's their "eggnog in the cup" for them…their taste/feel/smell that says Christmas is here).  We've baked and frosted our traditional Courts' family sugar cookies, and have gone sledding on some pretty big hills in this gorgeous snow.  All of this, plus the constant playing of Christmas music, has really gotten us into the Christmas mood.  We are staying in Zurich for Christmas this year, and although we will miss our families dearly, we are going to cherish the time spent with our boys as the magic is still very much alive as all three still believe.  We are also grateful for our American tradition, as we have found that it differs more than we expected from the Swiss tradition.  

The traditional Swiss Christmas goes something like this (from what I think I understand):  St. Nick (called Samichlaus in German) comes on December 6th, to deliver fruit and nuts to the children who have been good….but fruit and nuts are not all he brings.  He is escorted by his "bad cop" sidekick, Schmutzli…who dresses all in black, also with a beard.  The two come down from the forest, and walk with a donkey through the snow…no sleigh, or reindeer, or fireplaces.  Although they most often come on the 6th, the duo can show up with a knock on the door at anytime between the 6th and Christmas.  With them, they bring a book with the "annual behavior report"-complete with specific bad behavior details.  Rumor has it, that in the past, children who have been bad are scolded by Samichlaus, snatched up by Schmutzli, and taken back into the forest in his sack (kidnapped!).  These days, it is more common to have the children recite a poem promising better behavior during the next year (but they still get a scolding).  The whole scenario seems a little intimidating, if you ask me.  Samichlaus is not the jolly good fellow the American Santa is…but, he seems to do the trick!  On Christmas Eve, Swiss families decorate their Christmas trees…and light real candles on the tree.  On this night, an angel from the baby Jesus delivers a few gifts to children, and a window is left cracked open to show where she's come from.  Gifts are opened then, on Christmas Eve!  

To all of you back home…we love you and miss you, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  May you all find happiness and renewal in your celebrations, whatever they may be!