Christmas at Victorinox
One holiday, five stories, much happiness
Here you will find out how Victorinox employees from around the world celebrate Christmas.
Ali Mehrdad
Job title: Customer Assistance Administrator Working at Victorinox since: 3 years Place / Country: Ibach, Switzerland Language: German
Old and New Traditions and a Christmas Celebration in the Mountains
I celebrate Christmas on December 25th with my partner’s family, high up at 1,000 meters above sea level, in the cozy home of her parents. It is a time of togetherness, warmth, and joy that we cherish as a family.
We begin our preparations on December 24th. Each of us is responsible for one course, creating a varied festive meal with appetizers, salad, soup, a main course, and dessert. There is no fixed Christmas menu - everyone adds their own personal touch. We make sure to consider the different dietary needs of the 14 people present, and we always manage to bring everyone’s culinary wishes together in a harmonious and enjoyable meal.
The gifts are mainly for the children. Even though they now know that the presents aren’t from Santa Claus or the Christkind, their excitement remains just as strong. Another fixed part of our celebration is singing together. My sister-in-law accompanies us on the Schwyzerörgeli (a type of Swiss accordion) while we sing Christmas carols. All the while, we enjoy delicious Christmas cookies lovingly baked each year by my partner’s mother.
During Advent, we decorate our home with a Christmas tree, string lights, small decorations, and candlelight, bringing warmth and brightness into the dark season.
For me, Christmas is a celebration of love and family, which I have embraced since moving to Germany. But there is another date that holds great meaning in my life: March 20th - Norouz, the traditional New Year and spring festival that I have celebrated with my family in Iran since childhood. We continued this tradition after moving to Germany, and now in Switzerland, it remains a special day for me - a day to remember my late grandparents and to reflect on the joyful gatherings I shared with my parents and sister. Even today, I celebrate the occasion with a special dinner at home with my partner here in Switzerland.
Aylin Siletic
Job title: Internal Communications Specialist Working at Victorinox since: 2 years Place / Country: Ibach, Switzerland Language: German
Between Flour Dust and Christmas Magic
We usually start feeling the Christmas spirit at the beginning of December—right when our circle of friends gathers for the big cookie-baking day. Together with the children, we spend the entire day (and often well into the night) baking, laughing, and nibbling. We typically end up with around eight different kinds of cookies—over 1,000 pieces in total! At the same time, the evergreen Christmas tree is taken out of its box, lovingly decorated, and instantly fills the house with festive anticipation.
We celebrate Christmas itself traditionally with my partner’s family. Every year on December 24th, the big family gathering takes place at Grandma’s house. Even though she says every year that she doesn’t want to host it anymore, she never truly resists in the end and gathers daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren around the long table - a moment that is special every single time.
While some of the family members attend church, things are already in full swing in the kitchen. Grandma, my mother-in-law, and the sisters begin preparations early. I usually bring dessert, either a classic tiramisu or small tartlets.
There’s no fixed menu, but the festively set table always offers a wonderful variety—there’s something for everyone. Amid cheerful conversations, we look back on the past year and, perhaps unconsciously, express our gratitude for yet another Christmas together at Grandma’s house.
Before the presents are handed out, brought, of course, by Santa Claus, the great-grandchildren recite poems or perform a little song.
On December 25th, we continue the celebration with another family lunch in a smaller circle at my mother-in-law’s. December 26th, however, belongs entirely to us. We usually spend it quietly, taking the time to rest and recover from all the festive indulgence.
Kelly LaRue
Job title: Human Resources Business Partner Working at Victorinox since: 1 year Place / Country: Monroe, USA Language: English
A Christmas Full of Joy, Games, and Family Traditions
Christmas is a special time of year for me and my family, and we celebrate it with warmth, joy, and togetherness on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
On Christmas Eve, my brother, his wife, and I stay overnight at my parents' house so we can all wake up together on Christmas morning. There’s something truly magical about this tradition—waking up to the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and the excitement that fills the air as the day begins. We start the morning with a delicious Christmas breakfast before gathering around the tree to exchange gifts. In our family, we embrace the spirit of giving through a Secret Santa exchange. Each of us draws a name and takes time to choose a thoughtful gift for that person. This tradition keeps things simple yet meaningful, allowing us to focus on the joy of giving without the pressure of finding multiple presents. Seeing everyone’s faces light up as they unwrap their gifts is always one of my favorite moments of the day.
After our cozy morning together, we begin preparing for the larger family gathering. This year, we met at my aunt and uncle’s home for an afternoon full of laughter, lively conversations, and amazing food. Our Christmas meal is always a highlight, and this year was no exception. We enjoyed hearty roast beef accompanied by a variety of sides, including carrots, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and creamy mashed potatoes. The delicious meal, combined with the warmth of family company, made it a celebration to remember.
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without our cherished traditions. Every year, we love playing games together—this time, we played Uno, Code Names, and Wavelength, which led to plenty of laughter and some good-natured competition. Another personal tradition of mine is creating an annual Christmas card featuring my beloved cat, Trixie. Posing her for the perfect photo is always a fun challenge, but the end result never fails to bring smiles to family and friends.
I also love decorating my home for the holidays, and I make sure to start right after Thanksgiving. Since I live near the beach, I go for a coastal Christmas theme, incorporating decorations made from local seashells. It’s a unique and personal touch that brings me joy all season long.
For me, the holiday season is all about togetherness, joy, and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s decorating my home, sharing meals, playing games, or capturing special moments with Trixie, Christmas continues to be a time of warmth and happiness that I treasure deeply.
Loreto Bastias
Job title: Bouden Marketing Lead Working at Victorinox since: 4 Years Place / Country: Chile Language: Spanish
A Chilean Christmas Night
I celebrate Christmas Eve with my husband and our daughter. This year was particularly special, as we were joined by my 85-year-old grandmother, who brought even more warmth and joy to the evening.
The preparations began three days in advance. We carefully planned the menu and decorated our home, making sure everything was just right for the occasion. Little by little, our house transformed into a cozy, festive haven, adorned with twinkling lights, a traditional nativity scene, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. As we worked, Frank Sinatra’s Christmas classics played in the background, filling every room with a nostalgic and joyful atmosphere.
We gathered for dinner around 8 p.m. One of the most cherished parts of our celebration is dessert – a sweet tradition that takes me back to my childhood. My grandmother has always prepared a special Christmas treat called Barbarrua, a creamy dessert with fruit that holds deep sentimental value for our family. Now, I carry on this tradition, making it for my family to ensure that the flavors of my childhood remain a part of our festive table.
As the evening unfolds, the excitement builds. At midnight, we exchange gifts, but not before following a playful tradition. We step outside and take a walk through the streets, searching for Viejito Pascuero – our Chilean Papa Noel. We are looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him delivering presents. And when we return home, we find that Viejito Pascuero has already visited, leaving gifts under the tree for everyone.
On Christmas Day, we celebrated with my husband’s family at our home. There were more presents for the children – and even for the adults! We kept the spirit of giving alive with a game of Secret Santa. Each of us drew a name in advance and prepared a thoughtful gift, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the gathering.
For us, Christmas is about more than just gifts or food. It’s about honoring traditions, creating lasting memories with family, and sharing love across generations. And this year, with my grandmother sitting at our table and our home filled with laughter, it felt more magical than ever.
Pascal Rey
Job title: Service Owner B2B Commerce & Retail Working at Victorinox since: 13 Years Place / Country: Ibach, Switzerland Language: German
Old and New Christmas Traditions
Christmas begins for me on December 23rd. On this day, I meet up with friends from my youth in Schwyz. It’s a wonderful tradition that has grown over many years and one I wouldn’t want to miss. We enjoy our time together, exchange memories, and celebrate our reunion.
Starting on December 24th, it’s family time. My wife Vera, our two children Nino and Lisa, and I begin the day in a relaxed way and do something together. This year, we went skiing. Back at home, I play outside with the children—preferably in the snow—while Vera takes care of the final preparations. That way, the Christkind has enough time to bring the presents unnoticed.
This year, our older son Nino wanted to help the Christkind a little. For the first time, he picked out the Christmas tree himself. A few days before Christmas, we decorated it together, which brought him great joy. Alongside the lovingly decorated Christmas tree, a nativity scene and fairy lights create a cozy atmosphere. Even our maple tree in the garden glows festively.
We spend Christmas Eve with my parents, my sister, and her family. They arrive at our home in the late afternoon for an apéritif. The children’s eyes light up with excitement as soon as they discover the presents under the tree, which they are soon allowed to unwrap.
Another highlight of the evening is our traditional Christmas dinner: Fondue Chinoise. This sociable meal is perfect for Christmas because it keeps the family gathered around the table for a long time and everyone enjoys it.
On December 25th, we celebrate with my wife Vera’s family. With a total of 18 people, it’s a big and cheerful celebration. Here, too, we traditionally have Fondue Chinoise, accompanied by a lovingly arranged salad buffet prepared by my in-laws. While the children play together, we adults talk and enjoy our time together.
During Advent, we uphold both old and new traditions. A beloved ritual is baking Christmas cookies. My mother always bakes “Grüschbrötli,” an old family recipe from my grandmother that is very popular with all of us. We bake “Mailänderli” and “Zimtsterne” with the children.
This year, a new tradition may have found its way into our home - a little Christmas elf. He wrote letters to our children, played pranks, and brought small gifts.
Our Christmas season is shaped by beautiful traditions, lots of joy, and, above all, precious time spent with the people who matter most to us.