Just like Santa in the North Pole, the Swiss version of the man in red, called Samichlaus, has a rather busy schedule this time of year. He is busy creating his list, probably checking it twice, but that is where the similarities end. Instead of living in the north pole making toys with the help of elves, the Swiss version lives in a forest hut with his friend Schmutzli, where he is currently filling bags with mandarins, nuts and gingerbread. Those bags are called a “Chlaussack”, which will be delivered to the children of Switzerland around December 6th.
But sometimes Samichalus needs a little bit of assistance. Depending on where your family will visit Samichlaus (or not) will depend if you will have to help him out creating those bags of treats. If an organised event is on the calendar, you are off the hook – more than likely Samichlaus has you covered – however, if you’ve asked him to visit you at home, or you just want to surprise your kids with a bag of treats on the 6th, you’ve got some work to do.
What’s in a Chalussack?
A Chlaussack is a hessian bag, about the size of an a4 piece of paper crammed full with seasonal yumminess. The bags can be found in supermarkets and bakeries already filled, or you can get personal and buy empty sacks to fill as you please. Thanks to picky kids, I always make my own to make sure that nothing goes to waste. Here is what you will find in ours:
Traditional items that belong in a Chlaussak:
For generations, these have been the items found in a Chlaussack.
1. Mandarins
2 out of 3 of my kids love mandarins, and they will be found in their sacks each year. But for the other, I will pop in an apple or a pear.
2. Nuts
Samichlaus heads south in the summer to collect “Spanischenüssli” (Spanish nuts), aka unshelled peanuts, to fill the sacks each year, but you don’t need to go further than your local supermarket. Consider walnuts too. However, be wary of nut allergies and small children when adding in nuts into their sacks.
3. Chocolates
It’s Switzerland, so there is, of course, going to be chocolate! Look out for small colourfully wrapped chocolates that you will find in the Christmas department of the local supermarket, but any wrapped chocolate will do. An option to consider is the Migros heart-shaped chocolate which includes a charitable donation.
4. Sweets
Small individually wrapped candy such as Sugus, is a good option. And if you have leftover Halloween candy, why not add it back into the Chlaussack, they will never know.
5. Gingerbread
Gingerbread with a texture somewhere in between a cake and a cookie, adorned with royal icing and an image of Samichalus, is a regular ingredient in a Chlaussack. My kids, however, are not fans, so will replace it with a portion of the cake-like Luzerner Lebkuchen which I buy at the local bakery or Migros. Or I make it myself.
Untraditional
But sometimes it is nice to get personal. Here is a list of unusual items that you could fill those bags up with instead.
1. Grittibanz
These soft bread-like little men (or women) are a tradition to eat this time of year. While they don’t usually belong in a Chlausack, I find them a perfect addition, especially if Samichlaus visits just before dinner.
2. Cookies
I’ve started to see cookies added into store-bought bags and thought why not add into my own too. Grab a mixed bag of cookies from the supermarket or if you have time, add in some homemade ones.
3. Small gifts
Sometimes the kids have had enough sweet treats, so why not exchange the chocolate and sweets for something they will use. The suggestions below are in no way traditional, but sometimes practical wins out.
- School supplies – my kids are always running out of glue, Tipex, erasers and pens
- Gift voucher – especially useful for the Teens
- A small toy – think a small lego set or car
- Stickers – According to my 5-year-old, you can never enough.
- Craft supplies – Could be cool to add in the ingredients to make a Christmas craft
- Hair supplies – think small clips or hairbands
- Books
4. Museli Bars – or other wrapped snacks
5. Chewing Gum – a big hit with my older two
Don’t forget the adults …
History may dictate that Samichlaus only brings treats for the kids, but why do the adults have to miss out on the fun? Luxury bakeries, supermarkets and chocolate shops also create beautiful Chlaussäcke that would make my day! Look at Sprungli, Jelmoli, Globus and Manor as a starting point, or make your own:
- Luxury chocolates or truffles
- Chocolate covered nuts
- A small bottle of champagne or Prosecco
- Macarons
- Cookies
Will Samichlaus and Schmuztli be visiting your family? What will your kids find in their sacks?
