With the onset of the cold season, the December holidays will soon begin. This is true in the UK and Switzerland. But due to the different cultural roots of the two countries, there are definitely differences in how exactly the holidays are celebrated.

In this article, we would like to tell you a little about the British and Swiss traditions at the holidays and show you the differences and similarities in the two countries.

When do the British and Swiss have their days off?

In Switzerland, it is a tradition that all shops, except for retail and other small exceptions, close their doors for 1-2 weeks over the holidays. In the construction industry, it is also customary to shut down for the first week of January so that business can resume around the 10 January.

In the UK, it is a legal requirement that most businesses close on 25 December. Some businesses also close their doors for the entire period from 24 December to 26 December and also on New Year’s Day. In contrast to Switzerland, the British have far fewer days off in December.

What are the days of celebration?

In Switzerland, most families celebrate in small groups on 24 December and 25 December. A lot of attention is paid to the food, which is served on both days. A classic is the “Fondue Chinoise”, which is usually enjoyed on Christmas. This meal is not a cheese fondue, but a soup in which meat is cooked at the table. The dish used to come from East Asia, but is now an integral part of the holidays for many Swiss families.

In England, it is mainly the 25th of December that is celebrated. The 24th of December is used for preparation. Relatives who come from far away usually arrive on 24 December to get the whole family in the mood for the big holiday on the day before the 25th. On 25 December, the children receive their presents and at lunchtime a real feast is served, usually consisting of turkey, goose, minced meat with bread, roast potatoes or Brussels sprouts. For dessert, there is “Christmas pudding” for the children, in which small gifts are hidden for the children. The 26th of December also has a great significance in Great Britain. This day is called “Boxing Day”. On this day it is traditional to say thank you to people who make your life easier. On this day, the British also like to give presents to their postmen or the rubbish collectors.

New Year’s Eve in Switzerland is the day when everyone gets together. New Year’s Eve celebrations on a grand scale are a tradition in Switzerland.  Of course, fireworks are not to be missed. In Great Britain, too, it is traditional to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a large circle. But in contrast to Switzerland, fewer fireworks are set off on New Year’s Eve.

What is the mood like in the country during the festive season?

The Swiss see the holidays as a time to come to rest and reflect. The holidays are a welcome break from everyday life and give Swiss people the opportunity to see family and friends and spend quality time together.

Holidays in the UK, on the other hand, can be a little more adventurous. For example, many Brits wear party hats on 25 December, turning Christmas dinner into a real party. But the holidays are not only a time to vent and celebrate lavishly, but also to show gratitude, such as on “Boxing Day”.