You guessed it; I’m nurturing my Christian side at one of Switzerland’s many fabulous Christmas markets. Whether you make it to the loveliest installations in Montreux and Basel, or opt for Gstaad’s unusual Winterzauber holiday market/circus/ice skating rink, there’s a hot drink of your choice waiting to warm those cold hands.

Read, Race, Rouse the Revelers!

This year we’ve decided to throw our standard release dates to the wind, publishing both Christmas and New Year’s issues of GSTAADLIFE. So even if you’re only in town for the holidays, you’ll have one more reading option in your hotel lobby, passenger’s seat, or cosy chalet living room. 

Speaking of chalets, we sat down with Isabelle de Sadeleer at her Gstaad home for a fireside chat about competing in the Carrera Panamerica. At the world’s most dangerous rally, Ms de Sadeleer’s unusual blend of steely nerves and delicate flexibility has earned her the elite title of champion.

It’s probably my Jewish side that tells me there’s no time like the holidays to talk death and taxes. Feel like stirring up the pot at that bland Christmas event? Read our piece on the move to keep Switzerland’s flat-tax regime for wealthy foreigners alive and ask the crowd to chime in with their thoughts on the recent vote. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, remember that some people vote with their hearts… and others with their heads.

The Sound of Music–and Art

It may not have the clout of the other festivals in the Saanenland, but the New Year Music Festival in Gstaad is certainly a cause for celebration. Artistic Director (and talented pianist) Caroline Haffner shows us why up-and-coming talents and established professionals musically mingle here during the most festive week of the year. This year’s highlights feature two world premieres under the theme “Cellissimo,” with performances by young cellists of increasing renown.

In our Lifestyle section, Januaria Piromallo attends the release party of Generoso Di Meo’s “Cal”—the beautifully designed calendar with world-class oeuvres by cult photographer Massimo Listri. From the sound of it, the crowd was world-class too, and packed with familiar faces of regular Gstaad guests and residents like Princess Federica de Gregorio Cattaneo, Vittorio Sgarbi and Count Gelosio Gaetani, among others.

The Naughty/Nice List

Naughty or nice? GSTAADLIFE columnist Mandolyna Theodoracopulos does Santa’s dirty work in “Unus Pro Omnibus” by locating his secret gift list. If you’re unlucky enough to be caught on the naughty list, never fear—there’s always next year. 

As for me, I must confess I’ve been a bit of both. I’ve been parking illegally at an undisclosed location near the Promenade, without a single ticket to date (hint: Church attendance may have dwindled to make this possible). Yet before you think me a monster, I’ve also picked up after an older lady’s little dog on the sidewalk, so the poor thing didn’t have to remove her fur-trimmed gloves to use a doggie bag.

But should good old St Nick forget me on December 25, I won’t pout or cry – because I’ll still have 8 days’ worth of Hanukkah gifts to savour.

Happy Holidays!

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief