If you live in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is not what it is in Switzerland. When it’s winter there, it’s summer here. And so here you’re more in the mood for a trip to the beach and there’s no Christmas spirit. When the thermometer rises to around 30° C, you don’t feel like mulled wine. And so, most of those who are now at the Christmas market in Swakopmund are dressed in shorts and T-shirts and wear flip-flops on their feet.

You can’t see real Christmas trees here because they don’t grow in Namibia. Foldable plastic Christmas trees «Made in China» are sold. However, they are covered with a white layer that is supposed to symbolize the snow, which never falls here. (But that’s becoming increasingly rare in Switzerland as well; people are getting used to a green Christmas there too!)

Christmas here means a few holiday days in a row. Some people use it to go to the beach and have a braai. Others pack their cars and drive with the children to visit relatives in the country side or take a trip to the surrounding area. And then there are those who visit the Christmas market in Swakopmund and stroll through the little town decorated for Christmas. Just like us on December 21st, 2024!

PS: Summer temperatures or not: we don’t miss out on Christmas cookies. And Brigitta baked them yesterday!