Christmas Lights in Switzerland Jigsaw Puzzle

Althought Christmas Day itself is celebrated on 25th December in Switzerland in common with other countries which celebrate this festive season, Father Christmas actually comes early for the Swiss people on the festival of St Nicholas' Day on 6th December. Visiting homes and schools, Samichlaus gives out fruits, nuts and sweets to good children. This Swiss Santa Claus does not have any reindeer, but he is accompanied by a fearsome companion called Schmutzli, whose name loosely translates to "the Dirty One". Usually dressed in black and wearing a coal-hood, Schmutzli carries a bag, in which tradition says he will use to carry naughty children away. In many regions he also carries a broom made of twigs which it is said he will use to punish children who have been bad throughout the year.

On the evening of St Nicholas' Day, a tradition known as lifeltrager is held, where men walk in procession through the streets with illumiated lanterns on their head in the shape of a bishop's hat.

In the Swiss capital of Zurich and some of the country's larger cities, Santa takes children on a special train ride called the Marlitram which means Fairytale Tram in English. Children are treated to candy sweets and entertained by songs and Christmas Angels with fairy tales whilst they ride the Marlitram which is brightly decorated with Christmas lights.