A few nights ago, my husband and I attended his company's Christmas party. My husband's boss asked us will we celebrate an American Christmas or a Swiss Christmas once our little one is born. I said, "American." Of course, my husband said, "Swiss."
I made my decision based on this...
photo clubadfundum.ch
The dark, chilling figures in soot-covered faces are Samichlaus' helper(s) named Schmutzli. There are many tales surrounding the duties performed by Schmutzli. My husband was raised to believe that he snatches misbehaving children, places them in his sack, and takes them to the forest. Another story claims that he carries a broom of twigs to administer punishment to naughty children.
In recent years, Schmutzli's scary reputation has taken a more positive turn. In some parts of Switzerland, he is viewed simply as Samichlaus' companion and helper. But in the smaller, more conservative regions, the original Schmutzli still exists.
Personally, I prefer the good ole American "naughty or nice" tactic. I can't imagine frightening my little one with the thought of being kidnapped.
Eventually, we concluded that we will combine both Christmas traditions. Problem is, my husband wants to include old school Schmutzli, while I want to exclude his @$$. We'll see who will win this one...
Caio.
Baby Countdown : 74 days
