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FOR YOUR PETS Complete Line Of Pet Supplies • Aquariums. • Fish • Birds • Accessories PAGE 10 - SEC. 1 - SUPPLEMENT TO McHENRY PLAINDEALER NOV. 25.1*75 Colorful enchantment surrounds a Swiss Yule 111 • Dog Coals & Sweaters Pine Tree PET SHOP 2102 Rte. 120 McHeniy 224 Main m If the idea of Christmas in Switzerland conjures up visions of enchanted, colorfully quaint towns decked for the holidays and incredibly beautiful snow-covered mountains glistening in the sun, you're not. dreaming; you've either been there or seen pictures of the coun­ try many people consider one of the most beautiful in the world. With 650 years of his­ tory, four national lan­ guages and embracing three major European cul­ tures, Switzerland is a haven of traditions and customs, particularly dur­ ing the Christmas season. The events celebrated in Switzerland in December and January are among the most picturesque in Europe and vary from area to area. The best-known ones are the Nicholas THE SNOW-COVERED PEAKS, enchanted villages and frozen waterfalls of Switzerland provide a Christmas card setting in a land that abounds in its own unique traditions and popular seasonal customs. HORNSBYS family centers I 4400 W. ROUTE 12C, McHENRY RTE. 47 & COUNTRY CLUB RD. WOODSTOCK, ILL. HOURS: DAILY 9 til 9 SUNDAY 10 til 6 ks fed SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29 1:00-5:00 P.M. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 1:00-5:00 P.M. A Santa makes his official entrance to McHenry this weekend and has stocked our store full of toys for boys and girls of all ages. We have the largest and most complete selection of toys in the McHenry area. Com* talk to Santa now I m & Chase at Kuessnacht on Lake Lucerne, the star- singing (caroling) in many parts of the coun­ try, the New Year Clauses at Urnaesch and the sledge parties in the Engadine. On St. Nicholas Day, December 6th, the coun­ try glows with colorful night processions of chil­ dren wearing lighted mitre headdresses. Made of card­ board and cut into orna­ mental patterns, these im­ pressive headpieces often measure more than three feet high. With the inte­ rior of the mitres covered with colored transparent paper and illuminated by candles the total effect is delightfully eerie. The youngsters, dressed in white gowns, perform a ritual dance as they march, giving the entire procession a ghostlike quality. To rid the region ^of the demons who might haunt the winter nights, are the "Nicholas Chasers," a contingent of youngsters who create a monstrous racket ringing large cow­ bells, blowing horns and cracking long whips. Accompanying the noise makers is the Swiss Santa Clause, who is not the jolly "ho, ho, ho" figure familiar to North America, but a replica of St. Nicholas. This "Klaus" with his side­ kick "Schmutzli," who re­ sembles a chimney sweep, visits homes and farms in the neighborhood distrib­ uting candy and other de­ lights to the children. On the Sunday before Christmas, also called Golden Sunday, star-sing­ ers march through the streets. This colorful pro­ cession is usually preceded by a star-bearer surround­ ed by white-clad angels. They are followed by Mary and Joseph with the little donkey, the shepherds and the three Wise Men. In large public squares the group stops and plays some scenes from the Christmas story, with the spectators joining in song. In recent times the fes­ tive note of Christmas has increasingly been carried into the streets of towns and villages where glitter­ ing lights spread an at­ mosphere of expectation. Of course Christmas in Switzerland wouldn't be complete Without the veil of glistening white cover­ ing the roofs of houses and the expanse of the countryside.