Next up on the Holiday roster: Christmas. Now, this one comes easy. Europe knows how to celebrate Christmas. Even the smallest towns are decked out in lights, which are, in the true spirit of Christmas, so tacky. Love them! Even the local shopping center (yes, there are shopping centers) has their own display happening. And … they often have animated animals and figurines inside to boot. Nothing gets you tra-la-laa’ing faster than a set of robotic elves!
Christmas markets are a huge part of the holiday tradition here. The markets feature traditional handicrafts and gifts as well as grilled sausage and warm spiced mulled wine (Glühwein), which is consumed in copious amounts. It’s a dream come true for me, because I am a closeted sausage (wurst) fan. There is nothing better than sipping warm wine and chomping on grilled sausage on a crisp evening, basking in the artificial warm glow of Christmas lights.
A perennial favorite for kids here is to take a train into the mountains to see Santa and his reindeer. The festive train leaves from Montreux and chugs up the mountain to Rochers de Nayes, which is a serious climb. Snow is almost always guaranteed at that altitude and makes you feel like you are at the North Pole.
Santa hangs out in a decorated cave and the hallway is decked out with lights and animated reindeer to set the mood. Once inside, the children sit on Santa’s lap, have a little chat with the fat man, and receive a certificate that is good for a little surprise goody bag from Santa’s elves. It’s totally cute … and the stuff of good childhood (and even adult!) memories.
I’ve come to learn that more effort at the holidays equals increased happiness in foreign land. Sure it takes more blood and tears—and nearly seventeen visits to your local grocery store to procure all of the ingredients for an authentic feast—but when you sit down to a traditional meal with friends, it feels like home. It sounds simple, but we need the traditions that we grew up with—the traditions that bring us happiness and help define us. It’s already disorienting enough at times to be abroad, but celebrating the holidays in our old cheesy ways––with new foreign cheesy twists––is our way of staying grounded. Happy Holidays!
