This week I took a couple of pics of the Christmas market on Barfüsserplatz and the big tree in the courtyard of the townhall. I just love the decorations in the dark, and the way people walk around with wide eyes taking everthing in…


Passer-bys were completely enraptured when they entered the courtyard with the big tree to sign the wish book standing there and heard voices float through the air singing Christmas carols.

After some looking around I discovered the source of the beautiful singing — some girls were standing hidden in a corner behind the tree and sang, just for their own pleasure, not for money.

Christmas time can be so beautiful!

Today it’s St. Nicholas Day, which is quite big here in Switzerland. For us it’s the day when Santa Claus comes. We call him Santiklaus, Samichlaus, or Niggi-Näggi and tell him verses to get sweets, and he often comes accompanied by a Schmutzli, a dirty big guy who’s ready to put the naughty children into a big bag or thrash them with his staff…

This particular Samichlaus is our neighbour from downstairs, with an imposing Schmutzli at his side and one of our cucumber green trams in the background. My brother and I met him by chance while Christmas shopping this afternoon.

Not all Samichläus seem to think a Schmutzli is necessary — this one had thought of a new mode of transportation and brought his dog… We couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the poor animal, espeically because its master insisted on smoking like a chimney while leading him around. 🙂

I love Santiklaus — and this morning, I even found a boot filled with chocolates and apples in front of my door… Got my day off to a great start right away!

Hope you’re all enjoying the season in your own way! Btw, I just noticed that this is my 100th entry in this blog – kind of impressive, huh?