During the festive season, my emotional highs and lows are usually intense. However, the flight restrictions almost pushed me over. The recent updates to the Swiss rules suddenly make a SA visit possible again. My heart rejoices!

As a result, many families whose children are studying or working in other countries may be together for Christmas. I am grateful to everyone who encouraged and supported me with positivity and hope. I pray with those who are still waiting in uncertainty for good news.

The festive season in Switzerland

The festive season experience in Switzerland is exceptional, with many traditions and customs. The Swiss Christmas winter experience is different from the South African summer Christmas experience.

Switzerland’s winter evenings are particularly long and cold. At 5 pm, it is dark, and the morning only arrives by 8 am. Fortunately, the streets and houses are creatively decorated with Christmas trees and lights to create a festive atmosphere. People can enjoy cheese fondue or raclette in the wooden chalets that pop up during the advent season.

On the last Thursday of every November, the authorities in Zurich switch on the festive lights, and the Christmas markets open. The whole atmosphere becomes warm, cosy, and enchanting. The smell of hot mulled wine hangs in the air, and chestnuts, fried on the open fire, are for sale at all the “Heisse Marroni” stalls.

Christmas as a child

Samichlaus is the German-Swiss version of Santa Claus. In December, the Jelmoli tram rides through Zurich, and children can listen to stories by Santa and his angel helpers. Samichlaus also visits the kindergartens and some primary schools and appears at points in the forest during the first week of December. I can only imagine how real and exciting Santa must be through the eyes of young children.

Christmas as an adult

As a parent, you do everything to create this enchantment with lights, atmosphere, and gifts for your children. With time you learn there is an outer festive season with trees and lights and an inner festive season inside your mind. Sometimes the inner and outer moods conflict. You carry a heavy bag full of emotions and are relieved when the end of the festive season arrives.

Everyone you want around the Christmas table is not there for different reasons. Covid made its contribution in various ways. In addition, ego instead of love unfortunately still dominates many relationships and situations because we are all only human.

I do not think there is a perfect Christmas. It’s just as perfect as you see it.

Every person sitting with you around the Christmas table is a gift if you look closely. Covid taught us to look differently. If we look at this festive season with gratitude and love and appreciate its true meaning, our inner festive season will be full of light and gratefulness.

Kalahari Christmas

We are hoping for a summer Christmas in the Kalahari this year. I look forward to being with the people close to my heart.

In my imaginary picture, the stars in the sky will be our Christmas lights. Everyone’s familiar voices are going to be our Christmas music. Our togetherness and love for one another will be our greatest gift to one another.

During all this uncertainty, I must constantly remind myself that the Christmas in my heart is the determining one, regardless of the place, season or people with me. I, therefore, have to work hard on the thoughts that impact my inner festive season. May the way I look at Christmas be my gift to myself.

May it be a blessed holiday season for you and your loved ones, wherever you are.

Regards
Emsia