Last night we gathered at the little square outside the local Auberge (a simple Inn/restaurant-hotel, often found in the center of a village) to listen to the school choir sing French Christmas Carols and to dress the big village Christmas tree.
The tradition is that the youngest students from school (from age 4) make Christmas decorations in school which this evening get hung on the big tree to spread joy and Christmas spirit. It is a nice and rather quick event. People show up with their children at 5.30 pm and ten minutes later the singing starts. The tree is lighting up the dark evening and the sweet voices from the children makes it all magical.
After the singing everyone mingles while having Gluhwein and farmer's bread which is offered for free from the commune outside the library. And a row of Swiss chocolate is served for the kids to their delight.
It is a nice and simple event and another 30 minutes later we returned home for the lasagna waiting for us in the oven. It has taken a few years to settle in and learn the traditions they have here in the Canton Vaud of Switzerland. And this one is one of my favorites.
Kärlek
Annette
Annette, I so love to read about your traditions. I was a military brat & even though we traveled a lot outside of the U.S., we never got to your part of the world. I love seeing through your eyes. Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas to you & your lovely family!
ReplyDeleteLovely Annette and the photographs are so evocative of Norway and dancing around the towns Christmas tree. Thank you for sharing. Wish we did this in the UK
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely charming, Annette. I'm not surprised it's one of your favourite traditions. It sounds just magical. Heather xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds lovely. What a special tradition!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! We have public tree lightings, but no ornaments (nor do I think, are there free goodies - you have to go to one of the many restaurants or coffee shops and buy your own treats). I like your style of celebrating much better! And lasagna ... yum!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice tradition to share with your family. I love that they serve free bread and chocolates!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition, and such a lovely way of organising it too. Here in the UK it takes hours for the lights to be finally switched on after a whole afternoon of what is usually very poor quality and tedious entertainment. I much prefer the way your town organises the event. UK town councils please take note!
ReplyDeleteThe kids must have had the most magical time.
Helenxx
A delightful, simple tradition that is joyous and memorable :) Exactly the kind of memories we want our children to have
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tradition!!
ReplyDeleteTake care
Anne
Vilken underbar tradition. Tack för att du delar med dig och tack för din inspirerande blogg! :) /Emma
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tradition! Wish we had something like that here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGood... dit blog interessant en nuttig obat sakit maag yg ampuh It's perfect.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely tradition Annette. We have them in The Netherlands too, but I haven't been to one yet! Perhaps soon.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the pre Christmas fun!
Madelief x
What a lovely tradition.
ReplyDeleteVery nice tradition !!!
ReplyDeletewhat a delightful tradition! I just LOVE the music of children's voices singing Christmas Carols! I wish I could be there for that beautiful occasion...
ReplyDeleteThe simplest traditions are often those that will live on in memories forever!
Blessed and Merry Christmas to all!