Samichlaus' House - pics

redplaydoh wrote: Samichlaus has moved out of the forest and into a house they built for him in town. The kids have been watching the house being built and have asked over and over if Samichlaus was home yet.

Tonight we took them to see him at his house. We were greeted by Schmutzli outside and the kids tried to sneak a peek in the window of Samichlaus before he opened the door to let him in.

Once inside Samichlaus told them the story of St. Nicholaus and let the kids recite their poems/songs to him. Lucas tried to sing something that came out as just mumbles... Bryan stood up and looked so brave at first but ducked his head and just acted so shy. Samichlaus told him maybe next year... and was so nice to all the kids. During the story Bryan did have a moment where he was brave and loudly said, "I am Lightning the Queen, I am speed, KACHOW!!" Bryan still doesn't quite get that it is Lightning McQueen and not THE queen.

Bryan did tell him, "I want Rolley and Scoop. I want Rolley and Scoop right now!" But he said it in such a cute way it was priceless.

After the story, Samichlaus let them look around his house and see his bed and cooking utensils. All placed there just to make it more realistic. There was a wood burning stove there that worked VERY well, we were all quite warm by the time it was over. While all the kids were looking around I whispered to Bryan to sing his song and Samichlaus knelt down to Bryan's level and told him he could sing in English because he would understand him. Bryan was just quiet and shy again but Lucas came up and Samichlaus asked Lucas in English if he wanted to sing to him. Lucas nodded and sang the Humpty Dumpty song. Not a Christmas song, but he was very brave to sing to him and Samichlaus just praised him which made Lucas just beam.

The kids then got oranges and peanuts for being good kids and Samichlaus told Lucas and Bryan he would see them at our house on Saturday. I had mentioned that we had a visit lined up for that time. Unfortunately this will be a different Samichlaus but the kids probably won't know that.

If you're confused on who Samichlaus and Schmutzli are you can read one of my previous posts that explains the Swiss custom of Christmas here. Samichlaus and Schmutzli

The Samichlaus House


Meeting Schmutzli


Trying to peek in the window


Bryan requesting his toy


Inside Samichlaus' House


The boys with Samichlaus


Samichlaus, Schmutzli and the boys

CantWait replied: Ok, that first picture is scary Them poor kids.

It's all very neat though. The house is so pretty. And the kids are handsome.

redplaydoh replied: I know, Schmutzli seems to be a very scary person. But they are always off to the side, quiet, and very un-assuming. But still.... I agree with you. He is there to take care of the naughty kids... makes more of an impression that just being left lumps of coal don't you think?

But, you can see that my boys, as young as they are, and with it being their first time to visit Samichlaus and Schmutzli weren't afraid in the least, nor did I see any other kids seem afraid.

If that were me as a child, I'd still be in therapy!!!

CantWait replied: Opps it was the second house, but yes you're right. They don't look scared at all, and it definetly makes more of an impression then lumps of coal.

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: OMG, Schmutzli looks like the angel of death. I'd need therapy too. But I am glad your kids had a good time.

gr33n3y3z replied: OMG I would have been scared crapless to see those guys in black LOL
And the guys in black were the ones who visited your house right?
So who are the ones in black?
never mind Schmutzli
And the guy in red is Samichlaus
Ok starting to get this now

PrairieMom replied:
No doubt! No way I would be naughty if I had to deal with those guys!

mom2my2cuties replied: yeap I definately think they make more of an impression than lumps of coal..Holy COW!!!

Talk about putting the fear of God into someone

Calimama replied: Wow so scary!!! I'm glad your little guys had fun though.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I'm having so much fun with this! I was showing the pics to Maddie. She finds it really interesting (as do I) but I am replacing "Santa Claus" with "Samichlaus" and I keep telling her Schmutzli will pay her a visit if she's bad. I'm a BAD mom!

luvbug00 replied: This is soo cute! wow kids here need them some Schmutzli . they'd be too scared to breathe! lol!
TFS

Nina J replied: Cool pictures. Schmutzli reminds me of Darth Vadar..."Luke, I am your father"