Magical Childhood Christmas Eves in Switzerland: Traditions and Memories

Growing up in Switzerland, Christmas Eve was a simple affair. Anticipation always trumped elaborate feasts, so our mom wisely opted for open-faced sandwiches. Hours in the kitchen wouldn’t have mattered anyway – we children were practically vibrating with excitement, eager to unwrap presents the moment dinner was over.

As I grew older, I became my mom’s sous chef, helping assemble the sandwich spread. The classics were always a hit: egg salad, creamy asparagus with mayo, cheese, and various cold cuts. Each creation was meticulously garnished with a gherkin or a pearl onion. These simple sandwiches, with their nostalgic flavors, remain a cherished memory.

While mom meticulously decorated the tree, my two brothers, dad, and I would bundle up for a bracing winter walk or huddle together in my brothers’ room, filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.

The signal for the grand reveal was the gentle sound of the angel chime fueled by candles. As it spun, we knew it was time. The living room doors would swing open, revealing the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, adorned with glass ornaments and shimmering tinsel. Presents, piled high beneath, promised a magical night to come.

Angel Chime

The original Swedish Angel Chime produced in 1948 continues to create memories for children around the world. Originally produced in Gelfe, Sweden for over 60 years, a long established metal factory in Turkey purchased the machinery and is keeping the Christmas magic alive. This high quality brass-plated candelabra comes with four candles, and is easily assembled in four simple steps, no tools required. Insert the candles into the precut slots, and watch as the flickering flames begin to ring the bells and bounce beautiful shimmering lights across the room. This beautiful chime is sure to create life-long Christmas memories.

From Calgary Alberta, we wish all of you out there in the world a very merry Christmas.

2024