by Luca, age 7, asks Samichlaus do you come on December 6th, instead of Christmas?, about Lake Zurich, and Switzerland’s four official languages
Dear Samichlaus,
My name is Luca 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 come on December 6th, instead of Christmas?
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 small chocolate orange and tea.
Love, Luca, age 7, Zurich, Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
From the Desk of Samichlaus
Dear Luca, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you come on December 6th, instead of Christmas?
December 6th is my traditional day here, distinct from the Christmas Eve visit of some of my colleagues elsewhere.
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, Luca.
Ho ho ho, Samichlaus
