Samichlaus to keep his distance this year

Many Samichlaus processions have already been cancelled. Home visits are still possible in some Zug communities, but in a different form than usual.

His arrival is awaited with longing, and even reverence, year after year. The Samichlaus (St Nicholas/Santa Claus) and his attendants are welcome almost everywhere around the 6th December. In some Zug municipalities, loud trycheln (cow bells) announce his coming, in others only a quiet bell can be heard. Things could be very different this year. The Corona pandemic has also had an impact on this pre-Christmas tradition, as shown by a survey of some of the organising associations.

For example, the St. Niklausgesellschaft in the city of Zug has cancelled the house visits altogether, and informed the affected families of this at the beginning of October, as the association president Thomas Betschart tells us. The necessary protective measures could not be complied with. The letter to those affected states: "The Samichlaus and his Schmutzlis will not visit families, kindergartens and schools this year and the procession from the church will not be held. The Samichlaus is sensible, and is staying at home." That is disappointing and sad at first glance, but is the right thing to do in view of the situation.

Protection concepts and distance
Some communities are allowing home visits. These are subject to a protection concept, which will be adapted or expanded at short notice if necessary, as the relevant associations inform. This path has been chosen in Walchwil, for example. Samichlaus will carry out visits here, but conditions will apply: "We have now placed a short "Covid" explanation on our registration sheet, and have asked that the rooms be ventilated before our visit," says ‘Oberchlaus’ Beat Hürlimann, adding: "There is no need for direct contact, because we don’t touch the children or take them on our lap in any case." The children should sit on the sofa at a safe distance while they recite their ‘Sprüchli’ (short poems). It is pointed out, however, that further restrictions or even a ban on visits could be imposed at any time.

Several Samichläuse and their attendants in Baar last year. There is a need for social  distancing this year.

The Samichlaus in Steinhausen are also handling things in a similar way. In order to be able to carry out the Chlaus traditions, the association has created a protection concept, as Daniel Notter informs. An important point is that a strict registration of the people being visited is made, and will be kept for 14 days. Families with symptoms of illness will not be visited, but can say "Hello" via a balcony. The warming ‘Kafischnapps’ (coffee cognac, Swiss style) must also be dispensed with, as the Samichlaus and his companions are not allowed to consume any open food. Whether the Samichlaus procession can take place is still being discussed with the community.

The Chlaus procession in Baar has already been cancelled, but home visits should be possible, says Deborah Jung, President of Samichlaus Baar: "After consultation with the cantonal doctor Rudolf Hauri, we decided to plan the family visits as normal. We ask the helpers and families to cancel the visit if someone has symptoms." Families who have already registered will be informed if there are any changes.

Enjoy the ‘Rotten’ from the window
Things are still being discussed in Neuheim, according to Gerry Kränzlin, who is responsible for the Chlaus tradition in the municipality. The wish would be that both the entry of the Chlaus into the church and the home visits should be possible. "In an adapted form, of course," as he adds. A flyer with the relevant information will be sent to households at the beginning of November. But caution must also be exercised here too: "Changes may also occur in the short term." The most up-to-date information can be found on the website of the parish of Neuheim.

The annual Chlauseslä procession on 5th December has had to be cancelled in Unterägeri. The Chlauseslä of the seven Rotten, including Samichlaus and Schmutzli, is to take place, however, as the information officer Rolf Iten says. "This will allow us to move from house to house on 5 December from 5 p.m. and raise funds for charitable projects." And the population can follow the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle from their windows.