The winter and Christmas stories are about people of all ages, their joys and hopes, their worries and fears. They are everyday events that we all know. Some have happened like this or similarly, while others have originated from my imagination. For example, in the title story "The Mischtlechranz," there is a bit of both. The fact that most of the tales have an unexpected ending is no coincidence. I enjoy new beginnings. Ursula Stalder-Witschi.