Here are a couple of the key items from the article (but make sure you click the link to go to the entire article - very interesting):
Samichlaus
Each Christmas Swiss children receive a visit from Samichlaus — that's Swiss German for St. Nick — and his black-clad henchman, Schmutzli. Visits are traditionally on St Nicklaus day, Dec 6, but Switzerland's dynamic Christmas duo can arrive at any time. Samichlaus knocks on the door, frightened but excited kids answer. Samichlaus consults his big book of sins — co-authored by village parents — and does some light-hearted moralizing. Then he asks the kids to earn a little forgiveness by reciting a poem. After this and some assurances that they will reform, Samichlaus allows the children to reach deep into his bag for a smattering of tangerines, nuts, gingerbread, and other treats.
Swiss Tree and Christmas Eve
Traditionally the tree is cut and decorated on 24th. Pine houses — the open beams glowing with all the candles — feel ready to go up in flames but locals are bold with their candles. A classic Christmas dinner comes with scalloped potatoes with melted cheese and milk baked into it, boiled ham, walnut cake and finely-decorated gingerbread cookies. If the family is religious, they'll often have a Bible which has been in the family for generations. The Swiss and German equivalent of the St. James edition is their Martin Luther edition. The grandfather will read the gospel story.
The trees — good quality means a well spaced branches for candle placement — are decorated by the family. Candles, kept upright by dangling ornamental counter-balances, are then lit by the children. Presents are generally opened while the candles are lit. Trees stay up until Jan 2 as the candles are lit again on New Years eve for good luck.
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