by Lina, age 7, asks Samichlaus do you bring presents to Swiss children?, about Lake Zurich, and Switzerland’s four official languages
Dear Samichlaus,
My name is Lina and I am 7 years old. I live in Zurich, Switzerland, where my family rings cowbells and walks through the old town every December sixth for the big Samichlaus parade.
First, do you bring presents to Swiss children?
Second, a geography question: what lake is Zurich built along?
Third, a school question about my country: why does Switzerland have four official languages?
I left you a slice of Basler Lackerli and tea.
Love, Lina, age 7, Zurich, Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
From the Desk of Samichlaus
Dear Lina, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you bring presents to Swiss children?
I do, delivered with the same care across the whole country, mountains, lakes, and valleys alike.
What lake is Zurich built along?
Zurich sits at the northern end of Lake Zurich, with the Alps visible in the distance on a clear day, and the lake often has a thin skin of mist rising off it right around the time I fly in each December.
Why does Switzerland have four official languages?
Switzerland is made up of different regions, called cantons, historically settled by German, French, Italian, and Romansh speaking communities, and rather than choosing just one language for the whole country, Switzerland recognizes all four as official.
Frohe Weihnachten, Lina.
Ho ho ho, Samichlaus
