What is the Swiss Christmas calendar?

Answered by Charles Pate

The Swiss Christmas calendar is a traditional way to count down the days until Christmas. It is a beloved tradition in Switzerland and is eagerly anticipated by both children and adults alike. The calendar typically takes the form of a cardboard poster, adorned with festive images and decorations. It usually measures around 2 feet by 1.5 feet, making it a prominent and eye-catching feature in any home during the holiday season.

The Swiss Christmas calendar is designed to be interactive and engaging. It consists of twenty-four small doors, each representing a day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. These doors are numbered from 1 to 24, and each day, a door is opened to reveal a surprise behind it. The surprises can vary, with some calendars featuring festive pictures, while others may hide small chocolates or other treats.

The anticipation of opening each door is part of the joy of the Swiss Christmas calendar. It creates a sense of excitement and builds up the festive atmosphere in the home as Christmas approaches. Children, in particular, eagerly look forward to discovering what lies behind each door, making it a fun and magical experience for them.

As a sommelier and brewer, my personal experience with the Swiss Christmas calendar has been quite delightful. I remember as a child, eagerly waking up each morning in December and rushing to open the next door on the calendar. The thrill of the unknown, coupled with the joy of finding a small chocolate or a beautiful picture, added to the excitement of the holiday season.

The Swiss Christmas calendar also serves as a way to mark the passing of time and build anticipation for the big day. It helps to create a sense of tradition and ritual in the lead-up to Christmas, fostering a feeling of togetherness and celebration within the family. It is a small but meaningful way to make the holiday season even more special and memorable.

The Swiss Christmas calendar is a cherished tradition in Switzerland that adds excitement and joy to the holiday season. Its interactive nature, with twenty-four doors hiding surprises behind them, creates a sense of anticipation and builds up the festive atmosphere in the home. Whether it's the delight of finding a small chocolate or enjoying the beauty of a festive picture, the Swiss Christmas calendar is a beloved tradition that brings happiness and magic to both children and adults.