There's nothing more Christmassy than snowy mountains, frostedfir trees, and twinkling fairy lights, and in the Swiss Alps all ofthis comes with some very festive traditions. Some of theseChristmas customs are similar to those enjoyed in the rest ofEurope, while others are a little more unusual. We take a closerlook at the culture of Christmas in the Swiss Alps.
Samichlaus
In Switzerland, Santa is a little different to the Santa we allknow and love. His name is Samichlaus and he visits everyone's homeon the 6th December instead of Christmas eve. Everyone inSwitzerland does still receive gifts on Christmas eve becauseSamichlaus doesn't arrive at your home with gifts, the ChristkindAngel is the one who brings these on Christmas eve. InsteadSamichlaus brings bags filled with chocolates, cookies, nuts, andoranges. But perhaps the most unusual thing about Samichlaus is hissidekick. Never heard of Santa having a sidekick? Well, inSwitzerland Samichalus is accompanied by Schmutzli, Santa's helper.This guy appears like a vagrant of some kind, dressed in black witha dirty face and dirty hair and long dark beard. He carries a broomwhich he threatens the children who have been naughty all yearwith. He's a bit like Santas's alter ego. You'll see the two ofthem at Christmas markets right up to Samichlaus day.
Christmas Food
Although you will find a lot of old favourites on offer in theSwiss Alps at Christmastime, and the scent of gingerbread baking isnever far away, there are some more unexpected Christmas foods thatare traditional in Switzerland. On Christmas eve most Swiss peopleeat Fondue Chinoise. This is a meat stew, the meat being dipped invarious sauces before eating. It's a different take on the cheesefondue we all know so well, though cheese fondue is also hugelypopular still during wintertime. Experience fondue at Christmastime on this railwayjourney through the Swiss Alps.
While gingerbread is baked in all kinds of shapes and sizes atthis time of year, the scent of freshly baking bread also waftsaround Alpine villages, and this is made into 'bread men' or women.The 'Grittibänz' is baked in preparation for Samichlaus day andthis sweet bread is everywhere leading up to 6th December. All ofthese tasty treats are accompanied by mulled wine and hotchocolate, to warm everyone against the chill of winter.
Parades
Many Swiss towns and villages hold parades in the lead up toChristmas Eve, but even earlier than that, in November Räbechilbitakes place. School children carve out beetroot lanterns anddecorate them in festive colours and painted shapes. Then theyparade through town with the lit lanterns while singing as they go.In some parts of Switzerland drums are banged and cow bells shakento ward away the dark days of winter and encourage everyone to getin the festive mood. Whether you manage to catch a parade or not,there's plenty of Christmas spirit in The Swiss Alps in December.On The Glacier Express tour every stop has a local Christmas storyto tell.
