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December is only half over but I’ve been playing Santa for over a month now.
The holidays start early for me, with Thanksgiving in late November, and its obligatory homemade feast of turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie. “Turkey Day” coincided this year with Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights – an eight-day celebration complete with the menorah, dreidels and chocolate gelt.
By the time Hanukkah was over, it was nearly St. Nicholas Day. On December 6th, I woke up early to fill my children’s stockings with mandarins, yet more chocolate and little cans of Aromat. We are in Switzerland, after all!
But nothing beats Christmas. Growing up with both Jewish and Catholic parents gave me an appreciation for both religions, however if we’re comparing holidays, Christmas is the winner, hands down. Nothing beats the beautiful twinkling trees and prettily wrapped gifts, carols and cookies, and the overall festive holiday mood. That said, Christmas is a lot of work for us moms – and I’ll be glad when the annual wrestling with tissue paper and curling ribbon is over, and it’s all about spiked eggnog and good company.
Merry races, runways and railways
But you don’t have to wait until New Year’s to enjoy the best this season has to offer in the Saanenland. In our largest issue of the year, GSTAADLIFE is chock-full of holiday glitz and glamour – starting with our exclusive interviews with the Prosts. Racing is in this family’s blood, be it down the track or down the runway. We’ve scored a two-page interview with patriarch Alain, as well as a fashion-forward story about son Sacha and daughter-in-law Delphine’s venture into the world of racing-inspired luxury menswear.
And that’s not all: Contributor Januaria Piromallo gives us a glimpse into international icon and Gstaad-legend Brigitta Notz. From runaway to runway model, her life story reads like a novel – proving that truth, as they say, is indeed stranger than fiction.
There are good things in store on the news front as well. Hint: What’s Gstaad Mountain Railways’ favourite ‘70s rock band? Dire Straits! In all seriousness, an in-depth article on the three plans vying to pave the way to a secure future for the Bergbahnen awaits in our Business section. And in our Local News, the Molkerei will soon build new dairy facilities in Gstaad. Best of all, locals priced out of the housing market here will be glad to learn that the municipality of Saanen has designated the large parcel of land known as Ebnitmatte for reduced-cost apartments.
A winter “fun”derland
There’s no shortage of fun and games this time of year – starting with the first annual Gstaad Winter Games. Set to replace the former Winter High-Fly, the Games will feature daredevil sporting events as well as a film festival and concerts, so mark your calendars.
And don’t miss the annual ice-skating gala at the Grand Hotel Park. This year students of the John F Kennedy International School perform an “American Musical on Ice,” featuring Broadway’s greatest hits as well as live classical music. And it’s all for a good cause – proceeds benefit the charity Innocence in Danger.
Baby, it’s cold outside
In a touching column that might have you shedding a tear, Last Word columnist Mandolyna Theodoracopulos wears her heart on her sleeve. She praises couple hood, proving that if marriage is an institution, Ms Theodoracopulos is ready to be committed.
At this time of year, when temperatures hit the double digit minuses and we snuggle up in front of the fire, who doesn’t prefer going duo to solo? Whether it’s new friends and old family or old friends and new family, I sincerely hope you’re spending this special time of year surrounded by those you love.
Now bring on that eggnog!
Happy Holidays,
Alexis Munier
Editor in Chief
