Gymnastics 4 LiFE

My Christmas Traditions

I am not ready for Christmas to be over again!  It’s amazing how every year it seems like Christmas seems to be coming around faster and faster, and then when it’s finally here, it’s over with a snap of the finger.  “Don’t save it all for Christmas day, though, find a way to give a little love everyday.” (I love that song ) 

Anyway, I was wondering how different my Christmas is in comparison to the traditions around the world.  My mom is German, so I’m accustomed to the German traditions during Christmas time.  I’d like to share them with you, and gladly read any of your comments explaining your traditions.

First the basics.  In Germany there are three days of Christmas celebrations (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Dec. 26).  We also have small family get togethers recognizing the advent (the four Sundays leading up to Christmas).  My mom makes an advent wreath each year as the centerpiece of the traditional “coffee and cake” get togethers.  One more candle is lit every Sunday- at the get togethers- leading up to the birth of Christ.  Lit candles can also be found on the trees of traditional German households.  I remember when I was younger, we celebrated Christmas at my oma and opa’s (grandma and grandpa’s) house, and I was so scared of being near the tree!     

December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, is also a day of celebration.  The night before, my sister and I put out shoes- yes actual shoes, not stockings- in front of our door for St. Nicholas to fill (usually with candy, chocolate, and a small present).  I’m not exactly sure how this tradition came to be, but I know that St. Nicholas was a follower of Christ and known as a giver during his lifetime (and now!).  He led a life in which he carried out many notable acts of generosity- especially to those in need, sailors, and children.  His life offered many stories which were passed on from generation to generation.  December 6th, his death day, became known as St. Nicholas Day- a celebrated holiday throughout Europe.  Many children like to think of him as the uncle or cousin of Santa Claus.  

Christmas Eve is family time. We have a nice family dinner, complete with festive dinnerware, a table set for three courses, and mellow Christmas music in the background to set the mood.  A traditional dinner could include zweibel suppe (onion soup- very good, but bad for my stomach), roter kohl (red cabbage- my favorite), kartoffeln (potatoes), and Ente (duck, but my family substitutes that for any other type of fleisch (meat)).  Nachtisch (dessert) is usually my all time favorite ice-cream, heiss mit eis, a vanilla icecream topped with heated german cherries. MMM.  I’m getting a craving just writing about it. 

After dinner, we sit around the tree to sing Christmas songs and open presents from extended family, friends, and one from mom and dad.  Before we open a present, we all have to sing a song together, play an instrument, or perform a dance.  It’s a very special tradition that I couldn’t imagine my Christmas ever without.  I think I’m going to carry this tradition on to my family, when I have kids. 

After all presents are opened, we usually take a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the lights our neighbors have to offer- which let me tell you, they offer A LOT. One street was even on the news for being the most lit street in the state.  It’s amazing, this year someone even put a stage in front of their yard to play Christmas songs on their saxaphone.  It really makes a great night, and we’ve made it a tradition to take that walk every Christmas. 

At midnight we also go to midnight mass, which I know is a tradition for all Christians.  After a fun and full night we roll into bed until we awake Christmas morning to my younger sister’s (and of course my) excitement to see what Santa left for us.  We have a festive and semi-formal breakfast afterward, and then head over to our close family friend’s house in the afternoon.  (We would usually spend Christmas day with extended family and friends, but we don’t have extended family here)

December 26th the celebration continues, with more food, more family, and more joy, laughter, and love.     

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