by Nora from Zermatt asks Santa about a movie cast, learns about the Matterhorn, and hears about Zermatt’s traditional car-free alpine village life
Dear Santa, my name is Nora and I am nine years old. I live in Zermatt, Switzerland, where my papi says our whole village does not allow regular cars at all, only small electric ones and horse-drawn sleighs.
Dear Nora, I have always appreciated that particular rule. It makes Zermatt one of the quietest, most peaceful stops on my entire route.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, who is in Christmas at the Chalet cast? My cousin loves that movie but I honestly do not think you keep track of movie actors.
You are quite right, Nora, movie casting is well outside my usual duties. I am far more interested in who is gathered in your own chalet this Christmas than any name on a poster.
My second question is about our mountain. My teacher says the Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable mountains in the entire world. Is that true?
It is, Nora. The Matterhorn’s dramatic, pyramid-shaped peak makes it instantly recognizable, and flying near its icy summit each Christmas Eve, moonlight catching every sharp edge, is one of the most breathtaking sights on my whole route.
My third question is about our car-free village. Why does Zermatt not allow regular cars, when almost every other town I have visited does?
Zermatt has kept its streets car-free for many decades, Nora, preserving the village’s quiet, traditional alpine character and cleaner mountain air. It is a wonderful example of a community choosing to protect what makes it special, even when it might be more convenient to change, and I have always admired that kind of careful, deliberate choice.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Nora Zurbriggen
Zermatt, Switzerland
P.S. Does the sleigh count as an allowed vehicle here?
I certainly hope so, Nora. It would be an awkward conversation otherwise.
