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Being born and raised in Switzerland, when I moved to Florida more than 25 years ago, at first, I truly missed the snow which for me was part of Christmas and the entire Holiday Season.
did help your Mom a lot with the household chores this year and as well watched your younger sister often, however, your grades in math went down this year, and you did not always do the required school homework on time.” My brother, sister and I were half excited, and half scared about the visit of Santa and Schmutzli. With a few exceptions, the visit usually turned out well in the end, and Santa left the kids with many goodies like candy, oranges, and apples.
In Switzerland, one of our traditions is the way we celebrate Santa Claus, which is different than other countries. On December 6th Santa, together with his helper “Schmutzli”, arrives early in the evening to most kid’s living rooms. Santa brings a big book with him that has written in it how every child did in the passing year. With a deep voice, Santa would bring up the good, and not-so-good deeds. One particular year I heard, “Beat, you
On Christmas Eve the parents in Switzerland generally divide up for the afternoon, and either Mom or Dad brings the Christmas tree into the living room (which had carefully been hidden in the basement), decorates it, and puts the presents under the Christmas tree. While this is happening the kids then are taken ice skating or elsewhere, by the other parent to avoid seeing the “secret operation” by the parent placing the Christmas
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tree. When coming home, the door to the living room would be locked and only after a festive dinner featuring a traditional ham, the doors open and the Christmas tree with the presents would be revealed to the children. In this tradition, it is known that Baby Jesus brought the tree and presents through the chimney. Avalon Park has a long and rich tradition of celebrating the holidays. This year we will be holding the 9th Annual Avalon Aglow holiday event. I remember fondly the first year we held Avalon Aglow. It was 2013, and we had just started the Cypress Village section. I remember it was cold, however no snow, and we
had about 50 people gathered at the Autumn Ridge Amenity Center for the inaugural Avalon Park event. Since then it has moved to the Hawthorne Village Amenity and will be moving to the Downtown location next year! I look forward to seeing Avalon Aglow grow, as Avalon Park Wesley Chapel does and helping families and our community create traditions in a community where they find a place of belonging and safety. I am looking forward to celebrating this holiday season with my family and you all as we continue our holiday traditions. I wish you a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.
GET IN TOUCH - Have an inclusion for the Avalon Park Sun? Email: info@AvalonParkSun.com - Editorial Staff: Publisher: Beat Kahli Content Editor: Marielle Fernandez and Stephanie Lerret Graphic & Layout Editor: Kenzie Farrish 407.658.6565 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828
