The winter months in Switzerland are cold, long, and dark. The news colours the coming winter’s picture even darker because of Europe’s dependency on Russian energy and the diminishing reserves.

However, I have no control over these things and try to focus on the light instead. Over the years, the Swiss have developed many traditions to create light and cosiness during winter. We make a point of seeking out the light and activities creating energy.

Rabechilbi in Richterswil

In November, the Swiss celebrate Räbechilbi (turnip festival). We attended the biggest festival in Richterswil. Residents carved designs on the turnip walls and decorated their balconies and gardens with turnip lanterns.

At the start of the festivities, we enjoyed mulled wine and garlic bread while listening to the town brass band. When the organizers turned off the town’s lights at 18h00, the turnip lanterns transformed the village into a wonderland. The parade, in which the children also took part with their homemade turnip lanterns, took our breath away.

Advent season

Lucy Christmas lights in Bahnhofstrasse

The tradition of switching on “Lucy” Christmas lights in Bahnhofstrasse kicks off the Advent season in Zurich. On the last Thursday in November, many people gather to see how they turn on the 23,000 light crystals spread over a kilometre. Since we have lived in Zurich, we have attended this event every year. All the lights, together with the cheerful atmosphere, ignite hope and positivity inside me.

Christmas markets and Fondue

The Christmas market opening and the switching on of the Christmas lights happen on the same night. There are several Christmas markets in Zurich, the largest of which is close to Lake Zurich. Around 100 market stalls form a cosy Christmas village against the spectacular backdrop of the Opera House. People socialize around fires while drinking mulled wine and enjoying street food.

Like every previous year, a friend invited Zander to an ice skating birthday party on the last Saturday in November at the Dolder open-air ice-skating rink. It is one of the biggest in Europe, and they skate around a giant Christmas tree with beautiful lights.

We already have a tradition that Charl and I visit the Christmas market while we wait for Zander. Afterwards, we go to Chäsalp for fondue to celebrate Charl’s birthday. In winter, temporary wooden huts arise for people to enjoy fondue and raclette. Cheese is part of Swiss culture.

Advent wreath

The Advent wreath is a significant part of the Advent season. There are a variety of advent wreaths for sale and many opportunities to make your own. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism linked to the Christmas season.

The wreath, made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the soul’s immortality and the eternal life we find in Christ.

The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent and each of them has a special meaning. They symbolize hope, faith, joy, and peace.  Every Sunday, one candle is lit. They shine brightly despite the darkness and remind us that Jesus came as the light of the world.

Light in the darkness

We all experience darkness somewhere in our lives, and many people feel like the darkness in their situations and the world want to overwhelm them. My wish for the Christmas season is that we will continue to look for the light in the darkness. Furthermore, I wish we could bring light to others so they can see opportunities and find hope and positivity despite life’s challenges.

Happy Christmas season to you! May it be a period full of light.

Regards

Emsia