Christmas Cheer - Day Six

Today's Christmas Cheer post comes to you retro style. Since today is the day that Santa Claus visits (he has to get a head start since there are so many children to visit in the world) all the good little boys and girls in Switzerland, I thought I would dig out some of my Switzerland Christmas pictures and scan them. Please excuse the poor quality.

Traditionally, Samichlaus (Santa Claus) and his sidekick Schmutzli (which means dirty...because he always had a dirty face) visits each house in the village with his big book of children's names. If you have been good all year you can reach in his bag to get Gingerbread men (Grittibaenz), Oranges, and other treats. But the Grittibaenz are my favorite. When Samichlaus gave me one at Christmas, mine had little raisins for eyes, and sugar on his tummy, he looked jolly...and he tasted jolly too!

If you are naughty, then Samichlaus instructs Scmutzli to spank you with a bundle of branches (or a switch).

If Samichlaus does not have time to visit your house, then you can leave out your boots by the front door and Samichlaus will leave your treat in your boot.

When I lived in Switzerland, we were invited to 3 dinners on Christmas. I don't remember the name of this family for some reason, but the little girl's name is Tatjiana and she is probably 28 or 29 now. She is so cute.

I love the 2 pictures taken at this home, because they have real candles on the tree. Soooo pretty. Actually this is a tradition in Switzerland, so every one does it but these are the only pictures I have of a candle lit tree.

Also, traditionally Swiss people do not put up their Christmas tree until the night before. So when the children wake up in the morning, they wake up to a fully lit and decorated Christmas tree that wasn't there the night before. I bet that is super magical, but also a big pain in the behind for the parents.

Since Santa Claus has already visited the children in Switzerland by December 6th, the presents on Christmas Day are actually brought by the Christ child and his angels.

This is the Market Square in Basel. Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland, it sits on the Rhine, and is directly on the border of France and Germany. The building in the background is the Rathaus or Town Hall, and it was built in the 1600's. It is covered in beautiful murals inside and out.

They put up a ginormous live Christmas tree in Market Square every year.

And finally, a picture of me inside the Town Hall.

I am really craving gingerbread now. :)