During the Christmas in Switzerland

By Richard Tilbury


For the duration of Christmas in Switzerland, several of the traditions vary fairly substantially from the Western European norm, which has suffered from intense Americanisation. Alternatively, for instance the standard Christmas meal does stay exactly the same, even though it can be eaten at a completely different time.

Whilst British and American children are tightly wrapped up in their warm beds, desperately trying to acquire to sleep, despite their excitement, for fear that Father Christmas (or, increasingly, Santa Claus) could pass them by if they're awake. Swiss kids, at specifically exactly the same time, are stood about inside the freezing cold, sharing hot chocolate and giant doughnuts and normally having a jolly time with their household.

Being a largely Catholic country, Christmas in Switzerland is naturally built about the religious events of the day. Midnight mass on Christmas Eve will be the focal point, about which almost everything else is secondary. Given that attendance at mass continues to be high, this definitely means that the youngsters are all awake for Santa's supersonic sprint around the planet, delivering presents. Soon after the mass, the Swiss celebrate the arrival of Christmas Day with hot chocolate and homemade "ringli". Among the excitement plus the high sugar intake, it is a wonder they get to sleep at all.

The majority of Christmas in Switzerland really takes place on December 24. The tree is put up and Christmas dinner is consumed. Presents are traditionally exchanged on either December 25, January 1, or January 6 (Epiphany, once the 3 Magi finally reached Bethlehem with their presents).

They are not delivered by a jolly man inside a red suit - a manifestation of St Nicholas rumoured to possess been invented by the Coca-Cola Business - although the delivery man is mentioned to ride a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Actually, presents are given by an angelic manifestation on the kid Christ.




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