On Tuesday evening we were disturbed by a bell clanging and clanging in our hallway, then a knock on the door. It was Samichlaus and his formerly sinister sidekick Schmutzli! They were here to make a St Nicholas Day visit to the kids.
Here the Christkindl brings Christmas presents, so Saint Nicholas has a different role. He arrives on his own Saint's day and leaves something in the shoes of the good children. In many towns, though, rather than just leave things in the night he visits the children and delivers the gifts personally.
So we invited Samichlaus and Schmutzli in for a visit. Samichlaus explained that he is sort of Santa's cousin and told us why he comes around December sixth. Schmutzli explained that he is Samichlaus's spy throughout the year and he reports on the kids' behavior. They live and work together and these days it is stressed that they are equal partners. Then Samichlaus pulled out his book. Sure enough, he had information on all the children. Each child had to take a turn standing before Samichlaus and Schmutzli to hear about their triumphs and defend their transgressions and promise to reform. They were also each supposed to recite a poem in Swiss German, but Samichlaus settled for a group rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Samichlaus knew their favorite activities and favorite foods. He knew who had fallen behind on schoolwork and who helps load the dishwasher. Schmutzli had made sure he knew everything!
S's defense
T explains himself
L pleads the Fifth
Before they left, Schmutzli let the kids light candles from his lantern, which represents the light of the season. Also, because the kids had been good, Samichlaus gave them each a traditional bag of treats with oranges, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate.
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