Samichlaus and Schmutzli

DH called and "ordered" a Samichlaus to visit us here at home. In Switzerland Samichlaus doesn't bring the presents on Christmas, nor does he come on a sleigh pulled by reindeer from the North Pole. Samichlaus lives in the forest and brings gifts to the children in the evening usually on December 6th. He arrives on a donkey with his helper Schmutzli dressed in black, wearing a black beard and is covered in smudges and dirt. Schmutzli's job is to take care of the naughty kids and help Samichlaus decide if the children have been good or naughty. Samichlaus looks similar to Santa Claus in that they both wear red and have white beards. Samichlaus visits the children in the evening with their parents to be judged and to recite poems that they've learned. Of course, Samichlaus and Schmutzli always deem the kids to be good and give them their gift. We live in a town that is predominantly Catholic so our towns Samichlaus will also have a hat that is similar to a Bishop's or Pope's hat.

Now DH and I have to get busy and prepare the information for Samichlaus. Schmutzli will visit our home one evening this next week to get the list of good and bad things the children have done and to tell us where to leave the gift that we provide for Samichlaus to present to the boys. I'll try to work with the boys to see if they can learn a simple poem to recite to him, but I don't think that will happen. I'm sure Lucas will see Samichlaus and just want to hug him or pucker his lips up to give him a kiss. Bryan will probably be a little shy at first.

DH and I talked about the "good and naughty" list last night. We'll have Samichlaus tell Lucas to not hit his brother and Bryan will be told by Mr. Samichlaus himself that he needs to eat his food. We will provide plenty of good things for Samichlaus to be proud of as well.

what a really neat tradition..thanks so much for sharing - i love to read about other cultures!!!

Oh that sounds so neat
Let us know how it went

That's neat. I love hearing about other traditions

How fun! way more work than standing in line at the mall to see santa tho.
I could use that guy to tell Ben to eat his dinner too. I wonder if it would work...

I love that Christmas isn't overshadowed by "Samichlaus" like it is here in North America.

I want to go back to Germany!! (jk)

Come to Switzerland instead!!!

That is so neat.

I wish we had something like that here. That is so cool. I want to do that for my kids. Let us know how it all goes. Are you allowed to take pictures? If so please do that would be so cool to see them.

Come to Switzerland instead!!!

Maybe I will!

I LOVE hearing about all your traditions there. It's very unique.

wow, what a great and interesting tradation that you have. I am sure the kids will love this!! have fun and let us know how it goes!!

VERY Cool!

Neat tradition... I'd have to play Schmutzli. It suits me.