Put the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cardamom kernels in a bottle that holds 1 liter of liquid. Pour the vodka on, close the bottle, shake and let stand for 24 hours. Wash one orange thoroughly and peel off the top peel in a long strip. Put the orange peel in the bottle with the vodka and the spices and let stand for another 24 hours. Then strain the schnapps and serve well chilled to the Christmas buffet.