That special feeling came from the warmth and togetherness of our family and friends at Christmas. I remember the snow falling and hearing the church bells ring out in the clear winter night. I remember the excitement we children felt as the adults hustled us off to bed on Christmas Eve. And I especially remember walking hand in hand in the falling snow with that special someone. It was a magical moment that I have not forgot.
There is a special small country in Europe called Liechtenstein. It is unique in its people, its culture, its history, its institutions and its customs. As I have mentioned before, I have a dream. Some day I wish to visit Liechtenstein. As I dream of this amazing country, a special feeling comes over me. Lately I have begun to realize that this feeling is very much like that Christmas feeling that I have lost. Can it be the same or at least similar? Can I find in Liechtenstein what I have lost? Perhaps I can find that special feeling again at Christmas in Liechtenstein.
With a stirring in my heart, I began to research Christmas in Liechtenstein. I also received an email from a member of a family in Liechtenstein that I met last summer in Vancouver, British Columbia. Nicole Gassner of Triesenberg told me how they celebrate Christmas there. Thank you, Nicole.
In Liechtenstein, the Christmas season starts around December 6th or 7th. Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus, usually a family member or friend in costume, visits each household and tells the children who have been good and who has been bad. Then the children tell him what they want the Christmas Angel to bring them on Christmas Eve. In Liechtenstein it is an angel, the “Christkindli”, and not Santa Claus who makes the gifts magically appear under the Christmas Tree.
The Christmas Tree is brought home about two weeks before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the tree is decorated and they put out their presents that they brought. Then the children are off to bed and are all excited as to what the “Christkindli” might bring them. Some families open their presents on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Christmas is also a time to visit relatives in other villages and to exchange greetings and presents.
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