Matti's Adventure Abroad: Weihnachten (a.k.a.: Christmas) & Samichlaus

There are many variances between the cultures of different countries, and Christmas is no exception. In Switzerland, the name for Christmas is Weihnachten, and festivities begin when December does. On the 1st, the Advent calendar is put up, and consists of small gifts for each day leading up to Christmas. In the case of the Pünter family, the two kids alternated the days they got the gifts (one has odd days, the other has even days). Then, on the 6th of December, the real excitement begins! Samichlaus and his bff Schmutzli stop by the house via donkey from the local forest where they live. Each village has their own Schmutzli, because they have different forests ;). Samichlaus is basically the equivalent of America's Santa, and Schmutzli fulfills the role of Santa's elves. A big difference though, is that when Samichlaus comes, he isn't stealthy about it in the middle of the night. He and Schmutzli stop by the house after dinner and talk to the children about what they want for Weihnachten, and things they can do better to be good kids for mommy and daddy. The kids typically read a poem or sing a song for the duo, then if Sami and Schmutzli are impressed, they give the children gifts. The gifts are similar to what we would receive in our stockings...peanuts, oranges and small candies/baked goods.
So who comes on Christmas Eve then?? Christchindli (translates as Christ-child), is basically the spirit of Christmas. It is what brings the gifts for Christmas, as it is in communication with Samichlaus, it knows what the children really want.
Christmas season in Switzerland is full of Christmas markets with food, hot wine, and homemade crafts, plus carnival rides! Most cities have lights decorating the streets, and Zurich goes all out!