They say little things mean a lot and at times they define
the differences between Great Britain and Switzerland more clearly than
anyone might imagine. For example despite the fact the Swiss are famous
for precision engineering the lifts in this country seem destined to
forever misalign with the floor they are taking you to.
Over the last few months I have ridden in a great many Swiss lifts,
some occasionally, some repeatedly and often, in all that time I have
never found a Swiss lift which was consistent. Sometimes the difference
is small; sometimes you find yourself questioning the safety of the
lift, the difference is so great. Never do you find the consistency
you take for granted in the UK.
The Swiss differ from the British in one other important way, they have not allowed Christmas to be totally mugged by commercialism. As a result Christmas remains in December and has a more genuine, more intimate feeling to it.
The events don't really start until after the 6th December, St Nicholas Day, when the old man himself patrols the streets with Schmutlich (his dirty faced helper) and gives oranges and nuts to the good children. After a very thorough checking of the facts.
Then begins the putting up of street decorations, Shop window decorations and office Chiristmas parties, culminating in the putting up of the tree around 24th December. As a result the Swiss celebrate Chritstmas, which starts on the 25th December, not the Advent which precedes it. To my mind a much better thing.
