Today, during our House Meeting we celebrated one of the most important traditions in Geneva: La nuit de l’Escalade. The legend says that on the night of December 11th, the Savoyard troops tried to conquer Geneva and launched an attack on a cold night in December. Thanks to Catherine Cheynel, also known as Mère Royaume, who thought of emptying a large marmite of boiling soup on a group of attackers the whole city woke up and defended Geneva against the Savoyards.

On this day, it is tradition to break the marmite, a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan vegetables.

Tradition says the older and the youngest of the house have to break the marmite together while reciting the iconic phrase: Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République !

This was Ada’s first time smashing the iconic marmite and Kseniia’s second time. All together we celebrated the victory of the Genevans.

Bonne nuit de l’Escalade à tout le monde !

In our house, winter wouldn’t be complete without our cherished tradition: cookie decorating! The kitchen came alive as Kseniia, Alejandra, and Sofiya gathered around the table, ready to transform plain sugar cookies into edible masterpieces.

Armed with bowls of vibrantly colored frosting, the girls set to work. Each had their own creative flair, from intricate colorful designs to cheerful holiday motifs like candy canes and Christmas trees. Alejandra meticulously decorated her cookies, while Kseniia and Sofiya leaned into bold, vibrant colors for a modern twist.

The kitchen was filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional playful frosting fight. By the end of the session, the table was a kaleidoscope of beautifully decorated cookies, each reflecting the unique personality of its creator. This simple but joyful activity brought everyone closer together, proving once again that traditions, especially ones involving frosting and creativity, are what make winter truly special.

Here you have a little video recap of our afternoon!

Haruka had an unforgettable experience as she joined the much-anticipated trip to Disneyland Paris. From the moment she, the magic of the park cast its spell. Haruka’s excitement was contagious as she explored the enchanting streets, surrounded by dazzling decorations and the cheerful melodies of the season. She wasted no time diving into the thrilling rides non-stop.

The evening brought even more wonder as Haruka watched the spectacular parade with glowing floats and lively performers. The night ended with the breathtaking fireworks display over the Castle, a sight that left everyone in awe. Throughout the trip, Haruka embraced every moment with enthusiasm, enjoying the moment with her friends, and the immersive magic of Disneyland Paris.