A tinkling of a silver bell heralds the arrival of
Christkindli - a white clad angel, with a face veil held in place by a
jeweled crown. The tree candles are lit as she enters each house and hands
out presents from the basket held by her child helpers.
The week before Christmas, children dress up and visit
homes with small gifts. Bell ringing has become a tradition, and each
village competes with the next when calling people to midnight mass. After
the service, families gather to share huge homemade doughnuts called
ringli and hot chocolate.
In Switzerland, the Chlausjagen Festival or
Feast of St. Nichohlas is celebrated at dusk on 6 December with a
procession of "lifeltrager' wearing gigantic illuminated lanterns in the
shape of a Bishop's mitre on their heads.
The Swiss wait for the Christ child called Christkindli,
to arrive with gifts for all in his reindeer-drawn sleigh.
In Switzerland, during the holiday season the Star Singers
or Sternsingers dressed as the Three Kings parade through the streets
of cities and towns singing Christmas songs.
In Zurich, Santa visits in a special fairytale tram and
gives the children a ride through the city, singing songs with them and
sharing a basket full of sweets.
