Today, Waverly and I went to the tree lighting by the Cathedral that took place at 5 o'clock (or 17:00 as I've slowly come to know it here). There was a live outdoor band, with all its members dressed in Santa costumes, belting out Christmas tunes.
The area around the tree was so mobbed, you would think little elves were handing out free cheese and sausage to the first 100 people. It also led me to joke with Waverly that I've never seen so many white people in one place before, which she countered with, "didn't you grow up in upstate NY and western Massachusetts?" Touché.
There's definitely something different about Christmas in Switzerland. Unlike in the states, it's not constantly thrown in my face with Christmas sale ads and the whole holiday shopping craze. Maybe it's because the celebratory origins of Christmas has such strong German ties. Or maybe it's because the people here aren't insane. In any case, Christmas here just seems more relaxed, spirited and above all, a celebration to be enjoyed with loved ones, underneath the moon, in front of a glowing tree.
3 comments:
Many people came down to the Markplaz to watch the tree lighting in front of the Cathedral today. I'm starting to get the warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas.
No one we asked took any good pictures of us by the lit tree. The one posted here was done by the automatic timer. Random people just don't know how to take good pictures!
Wow, sis! You look so pretty in this picture. Or is it the light?
must be my new, white coat from Zara!
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