Christmas Day

  Waking up on Christmas morning to find that nothing had changed over night, was a very strange experience for me. No new presents under the tree or stocking filled by Santa Claus in the night. Actually, I got to sleep in until around 11, which I have to say was very nice, to shower before leaving for lunch at noon. Without the anticipation of 'Santa Clause' and the decorations around the house it really did not feel like at all like Christmas.

  I think the fact that even though it was the 25th of December and it did not at all feel like Christmas, I was not very homesick. After sleeping until 10:30 am, the longest I have ever slept on Christmas morning, we all got ready to leave for Christmas lunch at noon. One of the strangest things that day was the meal, it was a completely delicious 5 course lunch, but the fact we went out for lunch and no one cooked was very  strange. At home, the food is a huge part of the Christmas tradition, something that doesn't change with the passing years. I can always count on Swedish meatballs (which are almost always turkey) for Christmas eve and my grandmothers delicious cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. I guess in Switzerland, the food is not as important as the people you celebrate with.

  When we arrived at the castle, which also happens to have a restaurant, I met about 17 different people from my host dad's side of the family. His parents, sibling with their children and girlfriends. I can't remember everyone's name, but they were all very nice to me and welcomed me as a part of the family. We then sat down for the huge meal; starting with salad, a wonderful soup, the main course of beef and potatoes, and lastly my absolute favorite dessert.

  When lunch was over, everyone said their goodbyes and went home. To me, it did not feel at all like Christmas. While it was an absolutely wonderful lunch, it wasn't really Christmas without my family and the traditions I miss from home.

The castle where we ate for Christmas lunch, complete with a moat.