A close-up and personal look at Switzerland
Halloween has been in Switzerland for a while, yet it still feels out of place. I was somewhat shocked when I noticed Halloween decorations in stores around 2006. Then, 10 years ago in 2016, I wrote a post titled ‘Happy… Read moreSwiss Halloween Revisited
Well, of course we all know the four seasons, there’s Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter but when is the fifth season? I suppose the better question would be what is a fifth season? When an event takes place that effects… Read moreWelcome to the Fifth Season in Switzerland
Christmas is just around the corner and hopefully you’ve finished making all your gifts or purchasing things that can’t be made. You’re almost there. But before you can take a deep breath and say finished, go over your list again,… Read moreChristmas, Time of Giving
I hear you, you’re saying ‘Give me a break, it’s not anywhere near Christmas yet!’ and you’re right. But sorry, I’m not going to give you a break. Think of it this way, I’m just giving you a heads up… Read moreThe Ugly Christmas Sweater
Easter’s over, but remanents thereof remain for sure. Who knows, there might be a partially eaten bunny in your Easter baskets. Another Easter tradition, Easter bunnies, probably got their beginnings from pagan tradition. They are known to be prolific procreators… Read moreEaster Baskets, Bunnies and Commercialization
It seems clear that although you can say from where a word might come, no one really knows for sure. The same holds true for ‘Easter’. Some scholars think ‘Easter’ is derived from a Latin phrase that uses the plural… Read moreEaster and Two Newer Traditions
The tradition of eggs on Easter can be traced to pagan celebrations. The pagans believed that eggs represented fertility and birth. Today the new life that emerges from an egg can be interpreted as the resurrection or re-birth of Jesus…. Read moreEaster Eggs in the United States, Switzerland and Around the World
Even though Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday in any country, everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is on February 14. Especially in English-speaking countries. When I think of Valentine’s day I envision little hearts with chubby cupids shooting arrows… Read moreValentine’s day
What better time than Christmas to talk about toys. Playing with toys is considered to be important so children can learn about the world. Different toys help children at different ages develop different skills that they will need when they… Read moreToys
The Christmas spirit isn’t just about Christmas day. It’s about expectations and getting in the mood for the season. It’s said that just putting up holiday decorations, among other things, can make you feel good. But does it really? Do… Read moreBring on the Holiday Cheer
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