Today is Samichlaus in Switzerland – a tradition similar to Santa Claus

The “Samichlaus” is kind of a Santa Claus who gets children and of course also adults a bag full of peanuts, satsumas, chocolate and a sweet cookie called “Biberli“. This is very similar to a gingerbread. Positive point about it: there are gluten free “Biberli” available!

This tradition takes place every year on the 6th of December and children are really looking forward to this happening. The “Samichlaus” is always accompanied by his friend the “Schmutzli” and normally also one or two donkeys. They walk around the forest and a group of children are looking for them by calling out their names. Or they can also visit you at your home…

Its your task to present a poem or a song to the “Samichlaus” in order to get a bag full of sweets! So some kids are really nervous or even scared about this event. Because, in the end, the “Samichlaus” decides about whether you get the sweets or not.

Of course all the children will get a bag in the end 🙂