Samichlaus & Schmutzli

In the Swiss culture, they celebrate the day that Samichlaus comes on Decmber 5th. He brings his "elf" or helper named Schmutzli who looks more like a serial killer mountain man than an elf. He helps bring the treats but he takes the "bad" kids away in his burlap sack into the forest. That's to scare the kids into being good and I think it works.

Our group at church celebrated his arrival together in the forest. Tal had to work late and couldn't go, so Kels and I went by ourselves. First, we hiked up to a campground spot where we had a big bonfire and ate soup (I was wishing I had brought stuff for s'mores, but that's a little American). All the kids and adults had torches or little candles to light the pathway up to our spot (kids in Switzerland learn to be responsible with fire - it scares me at times, but they never fail me. It would never happen in the states).


Here's Kelsey and her friend Anna sitting by the fire. Kelsey was memorized by the fire and say in her stroller for a long time (which allowed me to take pictures). Once she wanted out, she had plenty of people who were willing to hold her.

After awhile, Samichlaus came out of the forest carrying his big book and lantern with Schmutzli by his side carrying the burlap sack. Can you see Schmutzli?

They called the kids up by primary class and said their name and what their teacher said they'd done in class, etc. He also had some of the kids sing songs they learned in primary or "primi" and would talk to them in English or Swiss German, depending on their mother tongue. Kelsey liked the bag of candy that he gave her. She's not technically in nursery yet, but she didn't know the difference. She really liked being around all the other kids.

Kelsey didn't seem to mind being held by them, but I don't think she took a good look at Schmutzli.

A few of her babysitters...