Welcome to another episode of UBC January 2025. Today I'm gonna tell you about our Christmas Eve.
Last year we started what might become a new tradition: We went out for Christmas Eve dinner - at the airport! I thought this year they were doing a much better job. There were more Christmas trees!
In case you're wondering whether it's just me or the whole of Switzerland that's obsessed with Christmas trees, and whether it's even appropriate to “display” Christmas in public places that serve an international audience, like an airport:
In Switzerland, most people celebrate Christmas as it is deeply rooted in our country's culture and tradition. According to statistics and surveys, around 80 - 90% of the Swiss population celebrate Christmas, regardless of whether they are religious or not, and depending on how “celebrating” is defined (religious festival, family dinner, presents, decorations, just a few days off work, etc.).
The remaining 10 - 20% may not celebrate Christmas because of other religions or because they have no connection to the holiday.
Christmas is perceived by many as a cultural festival (lights, presents, family) rather than a religious event. As a result, the religious aspect falls into the background and criticism is less frequent..
Also Switzerland has a more relaxed attitude than the USA when it comes to Christmas greetings. “Merry Christmas” is mostly received positively. If someone doesn't like it, this is usually expressed politely or with a neutral comment, without confrontation.
“Happy Holidays” is sometimes chosen as a more inclusive alternative, but wishing someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ does not usually get any nasty looks.
Back to our night out.
Interestingly we ran into acquaintances at the restaurant. They usually fly abroad for the Holidays but couldn't do so this year, so they still wanted to enjoy a bit of these travel vibes.
After a delicious meal of course some family members wanted to have dessert at Starbucks. As a former partner (employee) it always pains me when we have a less than nice experience, and this one was downright bad. Since I want to tell you the entire story, I'll pack it into a separate post and publish it tomorrow. Bear with me.
Since it wasn't neither raining nor snowing, we decided to actually go outside to one of our plane spotting locations.
The colorful lights made it feel like at the runways it's Christmas all year long!
What made us pick the airport to spend Christmas Eve at?
I had always thought it would be interesting to be in a public place while others were sitting at home around the Christmas tree or a festive table.
Eventually, I could even imagine volunteering at some place. When I spoke to my uncle about it, he smiled and said, “That's very noble of you, but be warned, it's usually not as romantic as we think. Many who have nowhere else to go aren't exactly appreciative of you taking the night off from your family to help them. They may be drunk, bitter or otherwise unhappy.”
What are your thoughts on this?
What a unique and festive way to celebrate Christmas Eve! Loved the cozy vibe and Swiss charm.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to celebrate Christmas eve!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy a blend of spiritual and time with family and friends was asked to play my harp at our church's Christmas eve ceremony.
I grew up with these Christmas eve services, then celebrating with the feast on Christmas day with my parents and a few favorite cousins - so it feels odd to go out to eat on Christmas or Thanksgiving!
On serving others - our pastor told a story at a summer concert with her Best Friend - at a holiday meal, one of our houseless community members wanted mashed potatoes - in her hand!
A young girl (~ 12?) was serving, and pastor Erika nearby. They tried to problem-solve - no, she didn't want it in a bowl (I think her plate was full - and she didnt want to chance the potatoes being gone 'later')... and was wearing fingerless gloves. So Erika expressed concern that her hands would get cold later , and suggested that she would hold the gloves, while the client was served the potatoes ...
As she turned away, mashed potatoes in hand, the girl asked, 'do you want gravy?' ....
I love the pictures, especially of the food. It looks positively delicious! This year, I spent Christmas Eve at church, singing with my choir, and then I went to a friend's house for a delicious dinner. I made my applesauce and my apple pear sauce because my friends had made ham, and applesauce is yummy with ham. It was a very nice evening, and I am grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteGoing to the airport sounds like fun! Watch the planes come and go, have a nice Christmas Eve dinner with so many lights! As for volunteering, that's what I am planning on doing, I think it's a way of paying back for all the great dinners I've had over my years. I love helping others and seeing them happy, not so much about seeing drunks.
ReplyDelete